This year the annual seasonal influenza vaccine shots, now on, will include an H1N1-like A strain as well as vaccines for one other A-strain and a B-strain expected to show up during the flu season, typically from December through March.
Pneumococcal vaccine is also available for high-risk individuals with chronic medical conditions to protect influenza-related pneumonia. The pneumonia vaccine is usually effective for a lifetime.
Studies show that the flu vaccine is 70 to 90 per cent effective, with some experiencing side-effects like a sore arm, muscle aches and low fever. It takes about two weeks for the vaccine to become effective in the body.
**In Prince George, drop-in clinics are at the Civic Centre today and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
**Clinics will be held at the Northern Interior Health Unit, 1444 Edmonton St., every Friday from Oct. 22 to Dec. 17. For more information please call 8-1-1 or 250-565-7381.
**In Burns Lake, clinics will held at Lakes District Hospital today (Tuesday) from 4 to 6:15 p.m., Wednesday from 1:15 to 3:30 p.m., and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. by appointment only.
A drop-in clinic will also be held at the Lakeview Mall on Oct. 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Additional clinics run through October and November. Visit www.northernhealth.ca for more information or call 8-1-1 or 250-692-2460.
**In Fraser Lake clinics are at Fraser Lake Medical Clinic on Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Additional clinics run through October and November. Visit www.northernhealth.ca for more information or call 8-1-1 or 250-699-8960.
**In Fort St. James clinics are at the old Movie Gallery Site on Today (Tuesday) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday from 12 to 7 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Additional clinics run October and November. Please see the Northern Health website for more information or call 8-1-1 or 250-996-7178.
**In Mackenzie clinics are Mackenzie and District Hospital today from 1:15 to 4 p.m., Thursday from 9:15 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., and Oct. 25 from 1:15 to 6:45 p.m. by appointment only.
Additional clinics run October and November. Visit www.northernhealth.ca for more information or call 8-1-1 or 997-3263 ext. 255.
**In McBride, appointment only clinics are at McBride Health Unit Tuesday, Thursday and Oct. 26 from 9:a.m. to 2 p.m. Additional clinics run through October and November. Visit www.northernhealth.ca for more information or call 8-1-1 or 250-569-2251.
** In Quesnel, adult only drop-in clinics will be held at Quesnel & District Senior's Centre, 461 Carson Ave. today from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Oct. 25 and 26 from 8 a.m. to 12 noon.
Appointment only clinics for children will be held at the Quesnel Health Unit, 511 Reid Street on Oct. Wednesday, Thursday, Oct. 27 and 28, Nov. 24 and 25 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Adult and children clinics, by appointment only, will be held at the Quesnel Health Unit on Oct. 29, Nov. 5, 12, 19, 26, Dec. 4 and 11 from 9 to 11 a.m. Call 8-1-1 or (250) 991-7571.
**In Valemount clinics are at Golden Years Lodge Oct. 28 from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. by appointment.
Appointment only clinics will be held at the Valemount Health Unit Wednesday and Nov. 3 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Drop-in clinics are on Nov. 4 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. and Nov. 9 from 9 to 11:30 a.m.
Additional clinics run through October and November. Visit www.northernhealth.ca for more information or call 8-1-1 or 250-566-9138 ext. 228.
**In Vanderhoof drop-in clinics are on Oct. 27 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Cluculz Lake Hall on Lund Road. Clinics are also at Vanderhoof Health Unit on Oct. 29 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and at Vanderhoof Seniors Health Fair Nov. 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information call 8-1-1 or 250-567-6900.
Every year, about 1,400 people in B.C. die from influenza and pneumonia (a serious complication of influenza).
The influenza vaccine is provided free for many groups of people who are at higher risk of getting influenza and its complications. For a list of eligible groups, check with your local public health unit, family doctor or visit www.northernhealth.ca.
