Annual seasonal flu shot campaign set to begin
- Details
- Published on Friday, October 12, 2012
myWestman.ca
It’s that time of the year again. The Western Regional Health Authority begins its annual seasonal flu shot campaign which will run over the course of the next six weeks.
The Get the Shot, Not the Flu campaign will kick off in the new health region this year in the former Assiniboine RHA communities of Belmont and Binscarth on Monday, Oct. 15. In former Parkland RHA, the communities of Meadow Portage and Spence Lake are first up this year on Tuesday, Oct. 16. Former Brandon RHA begins public clinics on Tuesday, Oct. 23 at the Brandon Regional Health Centre.
Once again this year, the seasonal flu shot will be available to all Manitobans at no charge. It will offer protection against three seasonal flu strains. However, immunization is especially important for those at increased risk of serious illness from the flu, their caregivers and close contacts.
This includes:
- Seniors 65 years of age and over;
- Residents of personal care homes and long term care facilities;
- Children six months to five years of age;
- Those with chronic illness such as:
Long-term aspirin therapy.
Kidney, heart or lung conditions.
An immune system weakened by disease or medical treatment.
A condition that makes it difficult to breathe.
Other chronic medical conditions (eg. diabetes, mental disabilities.)
- Pregnant women;
- Health care workers and first responders;
- Individuals of Aboriginal ancestry; and
- People who are severely overweight or obese;
The RHA reminds you that if you are 65 years of age or older, or have a chronic illness, you should also get a pneumonia shot. If you miss your chance to get the flu shot at one of the local immunization clinics, contact your health care provider or local public health office.
Remember to bring your Manitoba Health card and/or your Blue Immunization card to the Clinics. You are also advised to wear short sleeves if possible.
If you have specific questions about the flu shot, or wish to speak to a Registered Nurse, please phone 1-888-315-9257.
Western Regional Health Authority release
