With Flu season on the horizon, a reminder of the importance of Flu shots

While COVID remains the main medical theme of our times and rightfully so, when considering the current impact that the coronavirus is having across Northern British Columbia. 

But while we work to bring down the rate of infection from COVID-19, another health matter is being noted, with a reminder of the need for an annual flu shot.

From Doctor Bonnie Henry, to Northern Health officials and as close as your family doctor, the need to ensure that you make time for a flu shot has been a topic of much note in recent weeks.

In a statement from the government today, Health Minister Adrian Dix outlined the importance of the province's flu shot program, which is free to all British Columbians who qualify.

“All British Columbians should get vaccinated against influenza to protect themselves and their loved ones from serious illness, to reduce the strain on our hard-working health workers and to do our part to make sure the health system continues to be there for people who need it, where they need it and when they need it. I’m grateful to all of our health-care workers, including physicians, pharmacists, nurses, nurse practitioners and others for how they help people get immunized to protect themselves and those they care about.”

Northern Health has a wealth of information on the flu season ahead through their website, with the Health Authority providing notes on the importance of a flu shot this year.

Beginning the week of October 18, 2021, seasonal influenza vaccine will be available at Public Health clinics. Influenza vaccine is recommended for everybody greater than 6 months of age.

This year, influenza vaccination is free for everyone in B.C. six months and older.

The flu vaccine for 2021-22 has been created to address four strains of concern for this flu season.
 

Locally, the flu shot will be available through local pharmacies as well as from the Northern Health Unit offices in the Ocean Centre Mall, with the most recent notice outlining the clinics at the Ocean Centre through October and early November.

Whether its through Northern Health at the Ocean Centre, or
a local pharmacy such as the one above at Save on Foods
Flu shots are available in Prince Rupert for the flu season ahead

Details of clinics to come to be relayed through the Northern Health website and Facebook page.

More notes on flu season can be reviewed from the immunizeBC website

Further health related themes for the Northwest are explored from our Health archive page.

Note: This story has been changed since its posting, to reflect that for 2021-22 the flu vaccination is free for all British Columbians six month and older, with no qualification list in place for this flu year.