General Information for 2006/07
Influenza
can be a serious illness that takes its toll on people
in schools, hospitals and other workplaces every
year. Getting the flu shot is a safe and effective
way to protect yourself and others from the flu.
The flu vaccine only protects against respiratory
illness caused by the influenza virus. The flu vaccine
does not protect against the viruses and bacteria that
cause colds or what is commonly called “stomach
flu”.
Beside the annual flu vaccine, there are other simple
steps that people can use everyday to protect their
and others’ health from flu and other illnesses.
These include washing hands frequently, coughing or
sneezing into a tissue and throwing it in the garbage
immediately, cleaning surfaces regularly and staying
home when sick.
2006 Flu Clinic Schedule
Eligible British Columbians can get their annual
flu shot through public health clinics and doctors’ offices
across B.C. starting November 6, 2006. In B.C., the
following groups are eligible for the free annual flu
vaccine:
- People 65 and older and their caregivers
- Children and adults with chronic health conditions
and their household contacts
- Health care workers
- Emergency responders
- Healthy children aged 6-23 months
- Household contacts and caregivers of infants aged
0 – 23 months
- Pregnant women in their 3rd trimester
- Residents of nursing homes and other chronic care
facilities
- People who work with poultry and swine
People not eligible for the public program can purchase
the flu vaccine through private clinics and doctors’ offices;
some employers also provide the vaccine to their employees.
Information on flu clinic schedules is available
through the public health departments of local health
authorities starting in early October, or through BC
NurseLine 24/7 by calling: Greater Vancouver (604)
215-4700, toll-free 1-866-215-4700, or for the deaf
and hearing-impaired 1-866-889-4700.
Delivery of 2006 flu vaccine
Flu vaccine manufacturers have reported problems
growing one of the strains recommended for this season’s
flu shot. As a result, the vaccine should be available
to the provinces and territories at the beginning of
November.
Since new influenza viruses emerge each year, a vaccine
must be produced annually to ensure it provides the
best possible protection against the types of flu virus
in circulation. The production of influenza vaccine
is a unique and complex biological process, so annual
differences in the manufacturing process can occur.
Based on the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines,
Canada's National Advisory Committee on Immunization
recommended this year's influenza vaccine contain an
A/New Caledonia-like, an A/Wisconsin-like and a B/Malaysia-like
virus strains. There was a delay in getting the appropriate
seed strain for the A/Wisconsin strain to manufacturers,
as well as distribution from the WHO of kits to test
the content and strength of the vaccine. All of these
factors have led to a later delivery date for vaccine.
BC Healthfiles
Find BC HealthFiles on influenza vaccination. Visit BC HealthGuide OnLine at www.bchealthguide.org, or refer to your copy of the BC HealthGuide Handbook for more information.
Posters
Pandemic Influenza Translated Files
Translated Files for Pandemic Influenza
information and posters (Chinese, French, Punjabi, Spanish and Vietnamese).
BC Health Authorities
Related Links
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