Interior Health encouraging people to get a flu shot

Interior Health is calling on the public to protect themselves and others this flu season by getting the influenza vaccine.

The shots are available free of charge for everyone six months and older.

“Everyone is at risk of influenza and spreading it to others, and as we continue to face the challenges of COVID-19, we encourage all British Columbians to get immunized,” says Dr. Sue Pollock, Interior Health interim chief medical health officer.

“Now that the influenza vaccine is available at no cost to everyone who wants one, there’s no better time.”

IH states that the vaccine offers the greatest protection from the illness and is critical in keeping the spread of influenza low in the community and through the health care system.

It’s also noted that COVID-19 prevention methods like frequent hand washing, mask use and physical distancing helped reduce the spread of the flu last winter, and IH asks that people continue to follow those steps.

Influenza can make anyone sick, but there is an increased risk of severe illness for children under the age of five, people who are pregnant, Indigenous people, individuals over the age of 65, and those with underlying chronic health conditions.

IH states that Fluzone High-Dose influenza vaccines will be made available to adults age 65 and older, people living in long-term care and assisted living facilities, and people in First Nations communities. People who do not fall into those categories will be able to purchase one of these vaccines over the counter at a pharmacy, though people are advised to consult a health care provider prior to doing so.

While Canada’s National Advisory Committee on Natural Immunization recommends people at risk of severe illness receive the Fluzone vaccine, which contains four times the antigen of a standard influenza vaccine, it does note that any vaccination is preferrable to being unvaccinated.

The jabs can be accessed through most pharmacies, local health units and community health care providers like family physicians, nurse practitioners and nurses. It’s also noted that First nations community health nurses can also administer the shots.

An interactive map showing where influenza vaccinations are being offered can be found at the ImmunizeBC website. People can also call 8-11 or contact their local pharmacy, physician’s office or public health unit to book a vaccination.