Flu vaccine free to all Manitobans
- Details
- Published on Friday, October 21, 2016
Submitted
Prairie Mountain Health
Every year, the flu season in Manitoba begins in late fall and usually lasts until spring. For 2016-2017, the flu vaccine is available free of charge to all Manitobans. It offers protection against four flu virus strains, including H1N1. Prairie Mountain Health launches its flu campaign during the last week of October. Watch for ads and posters in your home community advertising flu clinic dates and locations. Check out the Prairie Mountain Health website at: www.prairiemountainhealth.ca and our Facebook and Twitter page for all clinic date information!
On Oct. 12, our appointment line was open for the public to call in and schedule an appointment for those clinics that require one.
What is the flu and how is it spread?
The flu is not a stomach virus, nor is it the common cold. The flu is a respiratory virus and it is spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes. You can also get the flu when a person touches a surface with flu virus on it and then touches his or her nose, mouth or eyes.
The flu is very contagious and people can spread the virus before they show any symptoms. Some people will not have symptoms, but can carry the virus and spread it to others. The flu can lead to serious complications such as bacterial infections, bronchitis, pneumonia and kidney or heart failure.
What is the flu vaccine?
For most people, the flu vaccine is given as a needle in the arm. Healthy children, 2 to 17 years of age, can also receive a spray that is put inside the nose (FluMist®). All flu vaccines are approved by Health Canada and will be provided at no charge to Manitobans.
Every year, scientists monitor the global spread of flu and decide what flu viruses will most likely cause widespread illness. The flu vaccine helps your body recognize these flu viruses so it can protect you.
Why do I need a flu shot every year?
Because flu viruses change over time, each year, a new flu vaccine has to be developed. The protection offered by a flu shot will also decrease over time, so it is very important to get a flu shot every year.
Who should get the flu vaccine?
The flu vaccine is recommended for all Manitobans over six months of age.
Some people are at greater risk of serious complications from the flu. The flu vaccine is strongly recommended for the following individuals: children age six months to 59 months, those with a chronic illness, seniors aged 65 years or older, healthy pregnant women, residents of personal care homes or long- term care facilities, health care workers and first responders, individuals of Aboriginal ancestry and people who are severely overweight or obese. The flu vaccine is also recommended for household contacts or caregivers of these people.
Are there any side effects?
Vaccines are known to be very safe. It is much safer to get the flu vaccine than to get the flu. The most common side effect of the injectable flu vaccine is redness, soreness and swelling where the needle was given. Some people will experience muscle aches or fever, lasting one to two days. With the intranasal flu vaccine, the most common side effects are a runny nose or nasal congestion.
How do I find out more information about the flu?
You can contact your local public health office, nurse practitioner, pharmacy or physician clinic. You can also visit http://www.gov.mb.ca/health/flu/index.html for more information on the flu and to find flu clinics in your area.
References: Manitoba Health, Seniors and Active Living & Canadian Immunization Guide Chapter on Influenza and Statement on Seasonal Influenza Vaccine for 2016-2017.
