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Healthy Living Minister Kerri Irvin-Ross today officially launched Manitoba’s 2006 influenza immunization campaign at a Winnipeg day care, encouraging Manitobans most at risk to get the shot, not the flu.

 

“Influenza can be serious, but people can help protect themselves and others by washing their hands, keeping their hands away form their eyes and nose, staying at home if sick and, most importantly, getting a flu shot,” said Irvin-Ross. “This year, we also want to remind Manitobans that infants aged six to 23 months and those in regular contact with infants from birth to 23 months are also eligible to get the shot.”

 

Flu vaccines are now available and are free for those eligible including:

·         Manitobans aged 65 or older, those who have a chronic health illness or those who live in a personal care home;

·         infants aged six to 23 months and those in regular contact with infants from birth to 23 months; and

·         health-care workers and first responders such as police officers, firefighters and ambulance workers.

 

Influenza vaccines are safe and do not cause the flu or pneumonia.  Influenza is spread from person to person by sneezing and coughing.  Symptoms may include fever and chills, cough, headaches, muscle aches, runny nose, sore throat and exhaustion.

 

The flu is more severe than a cold, especially for the elderly and those with a chronic illness. For these people, contracting the flu can mean severe complications such as pneumonia, hospitalization or even death.

 

Irvin-Ross also mentioned that Manitobans age 65 and over should consider and are eligible to get a pneumococcal vaccine at the same time as they receive their flu shot if they have never received one.