News Release                           For Immediate Release

                                                                                                                   October 18, 2007

2007 Influenza vaccination clinics begin.  Local CEO’s get their annual influenza shot.

The first influenza vaccination clinic is planned for Wednesday, October 24^th, in Owen Sound at the Bayshore Community Centre from 2-8 p.m.  Numerous walk-in clinics are planned throughout Grey and Bruce Counties over the next month.   Please do not be intimidated by the number of vehicles at the influenza clinics as many nurses will be on hand and the wait times will be minimal.  Please wear a short sleeve shirt.

Influenza vaccination is the most effective way to prevent the flu virus.  It takes about two weeks after immunization to develop protection against influenza.  The vaccine can prevent influenza illness in about 70% to 90% of healthy children and adults.  Studies have shown that influenza immunization decreases the incidence of pneumonia, hospital admissions and death in high-risk persons and the elderly.  The three strains included in this year’s vaccine is A/Solomon Islands, A/Wisconsin and B/Malaysia.  All individuals aged 6 months or older, who live, work or attend school in Ontario are eligible to receive the publicly funded influenza vaccine.

Influenza is a serious respiratory illness which people should not confuse with the common cold or stomach bug.  Influenza symptoms often include a fever, cough, headache, chills, aches and pains, among others.  The complications from influenza may be long lasting and may even lead to death.

All age groups over 6 months are encouraged to get the influenza shot. Children are the main spreaders of the influenza virus, in both the school and household settings.  Influenza in preschoolers is associated with acute middle ear infections.  Influenza may also lead to hospitalization in healthy children, particularly those under two years of age, as well as children with underlying high-risk medical conditions.

Those at high risk for influenza-related complications are advised to receive the influenza shot: adults and children with heart or lung issues, diabetes, cancer, immunodeficiency, renal disease, anemia, children & adolescents with conditions treated for long periods with acetylsalicylic acid, residents of nursing homes or other chronic care facilities, people 65 years of age or older, healthy children aged 6-23 months, and pregnant women.

People capable of transmitting influenza to those at high risk of influenza-related complications should also receive the influenza vaccine:  health care providers, essential services, household contacts of people of high risk, childcare workers, and those working on cruise ships.

 Those who should not receive the influenza vaccine include infants less than six months of age, anyone with a serious allergy to eggs or egg products, and anyone who has a severe allergy to any component of the vaccine.

In addition to the influenza vaccine, there are several other ways to prevent influenza from spreading: wash hands frequently with soap and water, cover your cough with a tissue, or cough into your sleeve at the bend of your elbow rather than your hand.  Use a tissue only once and dispose of it.  Be aware of surface areas that may be contaminated such as telephones and doorknobs.  And, if you do have influenza, stay home to avoid spreading it!

For further information call Public Health at 519-376-9420 or visit our web site at www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca.

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Attachments:

Community Flu Clinic Schedule

Photos: 

1)      Dr. Lynn, Medical Officer of Health gives Duncan Hawthorne, President and CEO of Bruce Power, his annual flu shot

2)      Dr. Lynn, Medical Officer of Health gives Pat Campbell, President and CEO of Grey Bruce Health Services, her annual flu shot

For more information:

Karen Sweiger

Manager, Vaccine Preventable Diseases

Grey Bruce Health Unit

519-376-9420 Ext. 230