NWT Continues Flu Clinics

Yellowknife (October 29, 2012) All public influenza immunization clinics in the Northwest Territories will proceed as scheduled. The decision follows a Health Canada recommendation that flu vaccine made by the pharmaceutical firm Novartis not be used pending a review of the discovery of clumping of particles in the vaccine in Europe.

“This isn’t a major concern for us in the NWT, as the bulk of our supply comes from a different supplier. I have therefore instructed our clinics to proceed as planned,” NWT’s Chief Public Health Officer Dr. André Corriveau said. “Influenza vaccine remains our best prevention against the flu, and I therefore encourage all residents to get their shot.”

October to April is Flu Season. The best protection is an annual flu shot.
People at high risk for influenza-related complications who should take the flu shot are:

children between 6 months to 5 years of age
pregnant women
adults 65 and older
individuals who are extremely overweight
individuals living in chronic care facilities, regardless of age
individuals with chronic medical conditions such as lung disease including asthma, heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease or cancer.

For more information on dates and times of upcoming clinics visit:

http://www.hss.gov.nt.ca/health/slides/2012-walk-flu-clinics

More information is also available from Health Canada at:

http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/advisories-avis/_2012/2012_162-eng.php

For more information contact:

Damien Healy
Communications Manager
Department of Health and Social Services
Tel: (867) 920-8927

NT4