Ontario’s Universal Influenza Immunization Program is saving lives here in Grey Bruce, according to Public Health Grey Bruce.
PHGB says that since the introduction of the program in 2000, there has been a significant decline in illness and death due to influenza and pneumonia both locally and province-wide.
The local rate of influenza and pneumonia mortality dropped from 57.7 per 100,000 population prior to 2000 to 20.2 following the introduction of the Universal Influenza Immunization Program. The Program provides free flu vaccination for every resident 6 months of age and older.
Research demonstrates immunization is the best way to prevent the spread of influenza. Public Health encourages all residents to take advantage of the flu vaccination program to protect both themselves and those most at risk of complications from influenza including the elderly and those with underlying health conditions.
“There is a myth that the vaccine can give you the flu. This is simply not true.” says Sarah Ellis, Manager of the Vaccine Preventable Diseases program. “The influenza vaccine does not contain the live virus so you cannot get influenza from the vaccine.”
That’s one of several myths Ellis says that may be holding people back from getting the influenza vaccination.
“Many people think that because they are a healthy adult they don’t need the flu shot. This is not true. Healthy adults can become seriously ill with influenza, potentially missing as many as 10 days of work. Adults who work in health care settings can transmit the influenza virus to their patients. I would encourage anyone who has questions about influenza and the vaccine to visit our website and learn more. The number one way to prevent influenza is to get vaccinated.”
The flu vaccine is now available in Grey Bruce. There are several ways residents may receive their flu vaccine:
• contact their healthcare provider or family health team
• attend a community flu vaccine clinic hosted by Public Health
• schedule an appointment during regular immunization clinics at Public Health in Owen Sound, Walkerton or Port Elgin
Upcoming community flu vaccine clinics hosted by Public Health include Thursday, October 27 at Rockwood Terrace in Durham from 3 - 7 p.m.; Friday, October 28 at the Grey Bruce Health Unit in Owen Sound from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.; and on Tuesday, November 1 at Hanover Heights Elementary School from 3 - 8 p.m. The full clinic schedule is available by calling Public Health or visiting the website at www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca
