“Each year, the influenza virus changes slightly, as does the influenza vaccine,” says Michelle House, acting Vice -President of Health Protection. “Last year’s flu vaccine or the H1N1 vaccine will not protect you against this year’s flu, which is why we recommend people get their flu vaccine every year. This is especially important for people who are more likely to have serious impacts on their health if they get the flu.”
As guided by the Provincial Influenza Program, Western Health will offer free vaccines to:
• Adults and children with chronic conditions requiring regular medical or hospital care such as respiratory disorders, cardiac disease, renal disease, metabolic disorders and arthritis;
• Staff and individuals living in residential care;
• Health care workers, including those in community and chronic care facilities;
• Individuals age 65 years and over;
• Children age six months to four years of age;
• Aboriginal people;
• Pregnant women, particularly those in the third trimester;
• Essential services staff;
• Poultry and swine workers; and,
• Household contacts or caregivers of people at high risk who cannot themselves be immunized.
Anyone who fits the criteria for these groups are encouraged to call their public health office or doctor’s office to make an appointment to receive the flu vaccine.
The influenza virus circulates from late November to late March. It infects the nose, throat and lungs. It causes tiredness, headaches, high fevers, and aching muscles. It reduces the body’s ability to fight off other infections. The virus can cause serious health complications for very young children, people over 65, and people with a pre-existing medical condition. For the general population, the flu can impact their family and work life.
Immunization is the best prevention method for influenza, as well as proper handwashing. It is also important to cover your nose and mouth when you cough and sneeze, and to stay home and minimize close contact with others if you are feeling sick.
For more information, please contact:
Heidi Staeben-Simmons
Director of Communications
Western Health
709-637-5252
BACKGROUNDER: Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Clinic Schedule
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Benoits Cove Community Hall
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Drop in Clinic: Appointment only: |
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Bonne Bay Health Centre |
Drop in Clinic: |
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Calder Health Centre |
Drop in Clinic: |
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Cape St. George Medical Clinic |
Appointment only: |
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Drop in Clinic: |
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Cow Head Clinic |
Drop in Clinic: |
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Daniel’s Harbour Clinic |
Drop in Clinic: |
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Drop in Clinic: |
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Dr. Charles L. LeGrow Health Centre
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Drop in Clinic: |
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Doyle’s Medical Clinic |
Drop in Clinic: |
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Hampden Clinic |
Drop in Clinic: |
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Jeffrey’s Medical Clinic |
Drop in Clinic: |
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Lourdes Medical Clinic |
Appointment only: |
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Meadows Community Hall |
Drop in Clinic: |
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Pasadena |
Drop in Clinic: |
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Piccadilly |
Drop in Clinic: |
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Pollard’s Point Clinic |
Drop in Clinic: |
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Rufus Guinchard Health Centre For more information please call 861-9126, ext. 44 |
Drop in Clinic: |
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Drop in Clinic: |
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Stephenville Crossing To make your appointment please call 646-2762
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Drop in Clinic: Appointment Only: |
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Stephenville To make your appointment please call 643-8700 or 643-8701 |
Drop in Clinic: Appointment Only: |
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Drop in Clinic: |
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Drop in Clinic: Appointment only: |