Influenza immunization clinics began in Sunrise Health Region on October 14, 2014. This week a complete listing of influenza clinics is being delivered to every home mailbox in the region. A total of 96 clinics are planned in Sunrise Health Region with clinics being held in 36 communities from October to December.
On average, each year 30 to 40 people in Saskatchewan die from complications related to influenza.
"Influenza can be deadly for anybody, especially for children under 5, those aged 65 years and above, those with chronic diseases and pregnant women," says Medical Health Officer, Dr. Mandiangu Nsungu. "The exact timing for arrival of influenza in our communities is unpredictable, which is why this year our theme in Sunrise Health Region is "Why Wait?" especially when we know that it takes between 10 to 14 days after immunization to build immunity."
Last year the H1N1 strain of influenza emerged late in the season and a last minute rush of people wanting the vaccine lead to long lineups and difficulties getting the vaccine to people. Influenza viruses tend to mutate into new forms and the vaccine is adjusted each year to provide new protection which is one of the reasons why annual immunization is recommended.
"The vaccine at this year's clinics was specifically developed to provide protection for the influenza viruses that are expected to be a problem this year, and again includes H1N1," says Nsungu.
The injectable vaccine contains no live virus and cannot cause influenza illness. The injectable vaccine contains only the parts of the virus which trigger a person's immune system to produce antibodies. A public health nurse at each of the clinics will ask a series of questions to screen for the very few people who cannot be immunized because of unique circumstances. When attending the clinics, people are encouraged to wear a short sleeved shirt and will need their Saskatchewan Health Card.
When influenza illness begins to appear in our communities, visitors to health care facilities will see more people wearing masks. All health regions in Saskatchewan are adopting a policy of health care staff having the option to either get the influenza vaccine or wear a mask in patient and client care areas during flu season. Visitors to health facilities will also be asked to wear a mask, if they have not been immunized.
www.SunriseHealth Region.sk.ca
"While wearing a mask along with other measures like frequent hand washing will help reduce the spread of illness," adds Dr. Nsungu, "Being immunized annually and early is your best option to avoid serious illness during the influenza season."
The listing of influenza immunization clinics in Sunrise Health Region clinics can be found on the region website and by dialing 811 for Healthline. Daily clinic locations are also posted on Twitter @SunriseRegion and are recorded on the Sunrise Daily Information Update Line, which can be called toll-free at 1-866-800-5510.
