The province has kicked off the annual flu immunization campaign and is once again providing the influenza vaccine to all Manitobans over the age of six months free of charge.
Last flu season 228 Manitobans were hospitalized due to influenza. Of those 17 people died and 42 were admitted to intensive care. In 2017-18 the numbers were much higher with 505 hospitalizations and 46 deaths.
“I encourage all Manitobans to get the flu vaccine, but especially those at increased risk of serious illness from the flu, their caregivers, and close family and friends,” said Health, Seniors and Active Living Minister Cameron Friesen. “The flu vaccine protects you and helps to protect those around you including infants, people with chronic illnesses such as diabetes or asthma, and those seeking treatment for cancer. It’s about them, too.”
Although there is no way to know how bad a flu season may be health officials say that urgent care visits and hospitalizations due to patients suffering from the flu increase wait times and is costly for the health-care system.
“Manitobans can help protect themselves, their friends and family by getting the flu vaccine, which is safe and effective,” said
You can get the flu vaccine at local public health offices, nursing stations, doctors’ offices, Access Centres as well as at pharmacies for patients over seven years old.
© News4.ca 2020
