Seasonal flu vaccine clinics now open – Yukon Government

November 3, 2017

Flu vaccination clinics are now being offered to the public. The vaccine is free and available to everyone over the age of six months through local health centres. Some communities are also offering vaccination clinics at other frequented locations, such as college campuses and First Nations offices.

Influenza is already circulating in Yukon. Yukoners who are at higher risk for influenza complications, including seniors age 65 or over, children under age 5, pregnant women and those with chronic medical conditions, are encouraged to get immunized early.

In healthy individuals, influenza symptoms are generally mild to moderate. In more serious cases, symptoms can include rapid onset of high fever, cough, sore throat, aches, pains and chills. Rest and treatment of symptoms are usually all that is needed. People who suspect they have the flu should avoid spreading it by staying home until they feel better.

People with severe symptoms, or who get the flu on top of underlying medical conditions, should get medical advice by either calling the Yukon Health Line at 811 or consulting with their community nurse, family doctor or an emergency physician.

Quotes

“Last year we had an intense influenza season, and none of the people who were hospitalized with flu complications had received the vaccine. Once again, influenza has arrived early in Yukon. Influenza vaccine is never perfect, but it is still the best way for those at risk for complications to be protected. It takes about two weeks for the influenza vaccine to become effective, so the best time to be vaccinated in Yukon is as soon as the vaccine becomes available.”

–Yukon’s Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Brendan Hanley

Quick facts

• Individuals over the age of 65 or at risk for pneumococcal infection are encouraged to get the Pneumococcal 23 vaccine if they have not yet received it.
• Influenza can cause serious illness and hospitalization among those with chronic conditions.
• Last flu season 9,284 Yukoner’s were vaccinated.
• Flu has already been circulating in Yukon since October 1.

Learn more, including clinic locations: Yukon immunize

Contact:
Sunny Patch
Cabinet Communications
867-393-7478
[email protected]

Michelle Boleen
Communications, Health and Social Services
867-456-6145
[email protected]

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