Getting immunized against the flu will be easier for Manitobans this year, says Health Minister Erin Selby.
Selby says more health-care professionals are able to administer flu vaccines at more locations, including pharmacies.
“Providing increased access to immunization is a priority for our government to ensure that Manitobans can protect themselves against the flu,” she says, “and protect those at increased risk of serious illness from the flu, their caregivers and close contacts.”
A key component to having more Manitobans immunized is the recent addition of pharmacists as legislated immunization providers.
Selby says more than 530 Manitoba pharmacists are now certified to administer drugs by
injection.
Vaccines will also be administered at new ACCESS health centres and QuickCare clinics in communities outside of Flin Flon.
With this year’s new campaign slogan, “Because it’s About Them Too. Get Vaccinated. Don’t Spread the Flu,” the province hopes to motivate more people to get immunized, Selby said.
“The flu can spread easily from one person to another through coughing, sneezing or by touching objects contaminated with the flu virus and then touching your mouth, eyes or nose,” said Dr. Michael Routledge, chief provincial public health officer. “I encourage Manitobans to think about not only their health, but the health of others in their community and get immunized as it is one of the best ways to prevent infection.”
Grand Chief Derek Nepinak of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs also encourages First Nations people to get vaccinated.
“The First Nations population is at a higher risk due to many contributing factors, such as overcrowding and lack of indoor plumbing,” he said. “With that, I encourage all First Nations to get vaccinated, especially our infants, our elders, and those suffering from chronic diseases, such as diabetes. Protect our circle of life, it is easier to prevent than to cure, immunize today.”
Manitobans wishing to be immunized by their pharmacist should call in advance to make an appointment. It should be noted that pharmacists can administer vaccines to patients seven years of age and older.
Again this year, the seasonal flu vaccine is available free of charge to all Manitobans over six months of age.
Meanwhile in Saskatchewan, the publicly-funded influenza vaccine was available through public health clinics across the province, and from some physicians and nurse practitioners, as of
yesterday.
The free vaccine will be offered to all Saskatchewan residents six months and older.
“We want to ensure people in our province have easy access to the flu shot and stay healthy during the flu season,” Health Minister Dustin Duncan said. “Getting vaccinated is a simple action that can
save lives.”
“We strongly encourage people to get the flu vaccine early in the season,” Saskatchewan’s Chief Medical Health Officer, Dr. Saqib Shahab said. “Flu can spread quickly, and can cause serious illness. The vaccine is a safe, effective way to protect yourself and those close to you.”
Although health officials urge everyone to get the flu vaccine, those at increased risk of serious illness from the flu, their caregivers and close contacts are especially encouraged to get their immunization against
the virus.
Those at increased risk include:
• seniors aged 65 or older,
• residents of a personal care home or long-term care facility,
• health-care workers and first responders,
• children under five,
• individuals of Aboriginal ancestry,
• those with chronic illness,
• people who are severely overweight or obese,
• and healthy pregnant women.
The FluMist nasal vaccine was expected to be available in Saskatchwean health regions by the week of Oct. 20. Families with children aged two to 17 may wish to attend clinics starting Oct. 20 onward.
Across the border, Manitoba children and adolescents two to 17 years of age are eligible to receive publicly funded FluMist vaccines.
