Western Health is advising that immunization for seasonal influenza will be available for residents of Western Newfoundland next week. Residents are encouraged to protect themselves and their families from influenza by getting immunized.
“Each year, the influenza virus changes slightly, as does the influenza vaccine,” says Catherine McDonald, Chief Nursing Officer/Vice-President Professional Practice. “Last year’s influenza vaccine will not protect you from this year’s influenza virus, which is why we recommend people get immunized each year. This is especially important for people who are more likely to have serious impacts on their health if they get influenza.”
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 60 years and over;
• Children age six months to 23 months 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 community health nursing office, doctor or nurse practitioner to make an appointment to receive the influenza 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, influenza 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.
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For more information, please contact:
Heidi Staeben-Simmons
Director of Communications
Western Health
709-637-5252
heidistaebensimmons@westernhealth.nl.ca
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Benoits Cove Community Hall |
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Burgeo Community Health Nursing Office |
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Corner Brook
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Deer Lake |
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Hampden Clinic |
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Jeffrey’s Community Health Nursing Office |
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Lark Harbour Town Hall |
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Lourdes Medical Clinic |
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Meadows Community Hall
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Norris Point Community Health Office |
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Pasadena |
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Piccadilly Community Health Nursing Office |
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Pollard’s Point Clinic |
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Port aux Basques Community Health Nursing To make your appointment call 695-6250 |
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Port Saunders Community Health Nursing Office |
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Ramea Medical Clinic |
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Stephenville To make your appointment call 643-8700/8701 |
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Stephenville Crossing To make your appointment call 646-2762
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St. George’s Community Healthy Nursing Office |
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Woody Point Clinic For more information call 453-2401 |
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