Six flu clinics announced for Nelson this fall
By Nelson Daily Editor
Nelson will host six flu clinics this fall as the IHA’s public health nurses across Interior Health are gearing up for the launch of this year’s influenza (flu) vaccination campaign beginning Oct. 11.
The first Nelson clinic goes Nov. 2 (9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.) at the Prestige Inn and then Nov. 9 (same time) also at the Prestige. Both are drop-in clinics.
Broader Horizons on Nov. 17 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) is also a drop-in clinic. By appointment only clinics will be held Nov. 18, Nov. 25 and Dec. 2 at the Nelson Health Unit at 2-333 Victoria St.
Last year, over 145,000 seasonal flu shots were provided free of charge to those at risk of complications from the flu.
According to the IHA, the flu is highly contagious and can cause severe complications for those with heart, lung and other health problems. They claim flu vaccinations are a proven, safe and effective way to reduce chances of getting the flu.
The flu shot is is free for:
- People 65 years and older and their caregivers/household contacts
- Children and adults with chronic health conditions and their household contacts
- Children and adolescents (6 months to 18 years) with conditions treated for long periods of time with Acetylsalicylic acid and their household contacts
- Adults who are very obese
- Aboriginal people
- Healthy children age 6-23 months
- Household contacts and caregivers of infants age 0-23 months
- Pregnant women who will be in their third trimester during influenza season and their household contacts (pregnant women who are in other high risk groups can be immunized at any time during the pregnancy)
- Residents of nursing homes and other chronic care facilities
- Health care and other care providers in facilities and community settings who are capable of transmitting influenza to those at high risk of influenza complications
- Inmates and staff of provincial correctional institutions
- People who work with live poultry and/or swine
While flu shots are free for those 65 and older and those at risk, anyone can benefit from a flu shot. It is 70 to 90 per cent effective in preventing influenza in healthy children and adults, according to the IHA.
People not eligible for the free flu vaccine through the publicly-funded program should contact their physician, local pharmacy, walk-in clinic, travel clinic or private provider.
Other area clinics:
Balfour
- Balfour Covenant Church, 7741 Upper Balfour Rd., Nov. 7, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
New Denver
- Slocan Community Health Centre, Nov. 4 (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.), drop-in, Nov. 10 (1-6 p.m.), by appt.
Salmo
- Salmo Valley Community Centre, Nov. 3 (12-4:30 p.m.), drop-in
Slocan City
- Slocan Wellness Centre, Nov. 15 (1-3 p.m.), drop-in.
Slocan Park
- Slocan Park Hall, Nov. 10 (10 a.m. to 12), drop-in
