Submitted by the Northern Health Authority-The A/Panama strain of influenza could arrive earlier in than expected, and hit people at risk particularly hard. As flu vaccination can take up to two weeks to take effect, Northern Health is issuing an urgent reminder for residents across the Northwest to get their flu shot, particularly at-risk individuals.
"Parts of Alberta and Saskatchewan are already experiencing sharp increases in flu cases," said Dr. Lorna Medd, NHA Chief Medical Health Officer. "Since the flu may be hitting 7-8 weeks earlier this year, we want to advise residents to get their influenza vaccination as early as possible in order to be fully protected."
For those at-risk who are not protected, influenza can pose severe or even fatal health risk. This year's vaccine is designed to protect against the A/Panama strain, as well as the A/New Caledonia and B/Hong Kong flu strains.
Vaccination is offered free through local Public Health Nurses to anyone 65 years of age and older, health care and emergency response workers, and people with chronic illnesses.
For more information, contact a public health nurse at the health centre for clinic dates or to make an appointment. Clinic times and locations along with frequently-asked questions about the flu are also available at www.northernhealth.ca