Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) advises that if there was ever a time to get a flu shot, this is the year.
According to a media release, in advance of flu clinics opening later this month, VCH is encouraging Powell River area residents to book ahead and schedule a time to get their flu vaccination. This year, VCH has increased the number of flu clinics being offered in local community centres and other community spaces to meet expected demand.
The release stated that this year is unique because VCH is also trying to contain and prevent the spread of not only COVID-19, but other severe respiratory diseases such as the flu. Getting vaccinated can reduce one’s chance of developing symptoms that resemble COVID-19, which would require them to get tested and self-isolate, according to VCH. Getting a flu shot can also protect loved ones and reduce the impact on the health-care system, the release added.
The release stated that flu shots will be available at doctor’s offices, pharmacies, walk-in clinics, public health clinics or at a number of temporary clinics throughout the region beginning in late October.
Making an appointment is strongly encouraged to help reduce lineups and maintain safe physical distancing. Contact your doctor, pharmacist or go to vch.ca/flu to book an appointment. Residents can also phone to book an appointment at a public health clinic in Powell River. To book and find the closest location, go to vch.ca/flu, use ImmunizeBC’s Flu Locator,or call 811.
VCH will be offering the intranasal flu vaccine, FluMist, for children two to 17 years of age in some locations, based on availability.
Flu vaccine is recommended for everyone six months of age and older, according to the release. It is available for free for almost everyone in BC, including all children between six months and five years old, seniors 65 years old and older, pregnant women, indigenous people and individuals with chronic health conditions or compromised immune systems. People who work or live with people who have a higher risk of complications from the flu, and visitors to health-care facilities are also eligible for a free vaccine. For the small group of people who may not be eligible for the publicly funded vaccine, it can be purchased at a pharmacy or a travel clinic.
According to VCH, influenza is a virus which causes infection of the upper airway and can lead to symptoms of fever, headache, fatigue, muscle aches and cough. Complications from influenza, such as pneumonia, are more common in the very young, the elderly and those with heart, lung or other health conditions. Influenza is easily spread from person to person, and an infected person can spread the virus before they are even sick with symptoms.
For more information about the flu or to book an appointment at a local public health clinic, go to vch.ca/flu.
