MANITOBANS ENCOURAGED TO GET FLU VACCINE

The seasonal flu vaccine is once again available free of charge to all Manitobans aged six months and older, Health, Seniors and Active Living Minister Cameron Friesen announced  at the official launch of the annual influenza immunization campaign.

“Getting the flu vaccine is important for the health of all Manitobans, but especially for those at increased risk of serious illness from the flu, their caregivers, and close family and friends,” said Friesen, who received his vaccination this morning at Morden Drugstore.  “Every Manitoban knows an infant, a senior, someone with diabetes or asthma, or someone seeking treatment for cancer.  Because of this, I encourage Manitobans to protect themselves, as well as others, by getting their no-charge flu immunization this fall.”

Forty-six people with lab-confirmed cases of the flu died in Manitoba last winter, the highest number in three years, while another 35 were admitted into intensive care units.  In total, there were 505 hospitalizations due to influenza during the 2017-18 season, more than the previous two seasons combined and the highest since 2009-10.  The number of hospitalizations last winter due to patients suffering from the flu created backlogs in emergency departments and urgent care centres. A record number of people received flu vaccines last winter in Manitoba, with more than 320,000 doses administered.  In total, 22.5 per cent of Manitobans registered with Manitoba Health, Seniors and Active Living received the vaccine.