It鈥檚 almost flu season.
Fraser Health and 麻豆传媒映画Coastal Health are reminding the public that the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones is by getting a flu shot.
鈥淭his is one of those times when 鈥榞oing viral鈥� is not cool,鈥� says Fraser Health Medical Health Officer Dr. Aamir Bharmal. 鈥淚nstead, help protect vulnerable members of our communities including infants, young children, pregnant women, and people with underlying health conditions, by getting your flu shot.鈥�
According to a news release flu shots are recommended for everyone six months of age and older and are available free of cost in B.C. for 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.
鈥淭his flu season, consider seeking immunization for yourself, your family and your loved ones,鈥� said Health Minister Adrian Dix. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a small and easy step to take to prevent and protect yourself and your community from the potentially life-altering effects of influenza. This season, be proactive about your health and have a flu shot.鈥�
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. The intranasal flu vaccine, FluMist, is not available for use in Canada this season. All influenza vaccines available this season will be given by injection.
鈥淔or healthy people, having the flu means a few days of feeling miserable, but for young children, pregnant women, the elderly and those with underlying health conditions, it can lead to a severe illness involving a hospital stay, or even death,鈥� says VCH Medical Health Officer Dr. Meena Dawar. 鈥淭he flu shot is the best way to not only protect yourself, but also the higher-risk people around you.鈥�
Flu shots are now available at your doctor鈥檚 office, walk-in clinics, public health-led flu clinics and Urgent Primary Care Centres. Anyone five years of age or older can be immunized at a pharmacy. To find a flu clinic near you, .
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