An annual flu vaccine is the best way to help protect against the flu. A few of the many ways we have you covered!
It is that time of year again, and this year it will be even more important to stay healthy. Influenza vaccines protect against viruses that cause influenza, often called the flu. The vaccine does not protect against other viruses or bacteria that cause colds or stomach flu.
This year, several different influenza vaccines are available. One manufacturer is offering a new vaccine specially designed to provide better protection to seniors.
STANDARD DOSE Vaccine
Vaccination is especially important for people who are at high risk of serious illness from influenza (such as young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with certain medical conditions)and those able to transmit or spread influenza to those at high risk. In B.C., the influenza vaccine is provided free to these people. Others may be eligible for a free inactivated influenza vaccine and anyone who is not eligible can purchase it at Columbia Street Pharmacy (pharmacists can immunize people 5 years of age and older). The vaccine is the best way to protect against influenza, a serious and sometimes fatal infection. When you get vaccinated, you help protect others as well by reducing the spread of the influenza virus.
HIGH DOSE Vaccine
The high-dose (HD) vaccine is an inactivated influenza vaccine that contains four times the antigen, the part of the vaccine that helps your body build up protection against disease, creating a stronger immune response in older people to provide better protection.Canada’s National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends that people 65 years of age and older should get an HD vaccine because it is expected to provide better protection compared to the other flu vaccines. The HD vaccine is not currently publicly funded (free) in B.C, however it is available from Columbia Street Pharmacy. For more information about Fluzone® High-Dose and which vaccine is right for you, talk to one of our pharmacists today.
Do to high demand, the HD flu vaccine must be pre-ordered to ensure availability.
Flu vaccines are not yet available, but watch your inbox in the coming weeks for another update and link to book online.
