Influenza Information

General Information 2007/08

Influenza can be a serious illness, one that takes its toll on people in schools, hospitals and other workplaces every year. Getting an influenza immunization (the "flu shot") is a safe and effective way to be protected from influenza.

People at higher risk are eligible for free immunizations. This year, approximately 1.2 million doses of vaccine will be available through influenza clinics for those with certain health conditions, seniors and other identified at risk populations.

Health care workers are also eligible for free influenza immunization, both to protect themselves and their families, and to help protect vulnerable patients in their care.

The influenza vaccine only protects against respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. The vaccine does not protect against the viruses and bacteria that cause colds or what is commonly called "stomach flu".

Besides the annual influenza vaccine, there are other simple steps that people can use everyday to protect their and others' health from influenza 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.

2007/08 Immunization Clinic Schedule

New clinic locator service now available

The new influenza immunization clinic locator tool, available at www.immunizebc.ca will provide a list of nearby immunization clinics based on postal code or community.

Information on immunization clinic schedules is also available through the public health departments of local health authorities starting in 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.

Eligible British Columbians can get their annual influenza immunization through public health clinics and doctors’ offices across B.C. starting October 29th, 2007.

In B.C., the following groups are eligible for the free annual vaccination:

  • 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 who will be in their 3rd trimester during the influenza season
  • Residents of nursing homes and other chronic care facilities
  • People who work with live poultry and swine
  • Employees and inmates at BC correctional facilities

People not eligible for the public program can purchase the influenza vaccine through private clinics and doctors' offices; some employers also provide the vaccine to their employees.

About the 2007/08 influenza vaccine

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.

The vaccine is expected to be widely available by the end of October.

Based on the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, Canada's National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommended this year's influenza vaccine contain an A/Solomon Islands-like virus strain, an A/Wisconsin-like strain and a B/Malaysia-like strain.

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