FRANCAIS

October 21, 2002

Today, Health Minister Dave Chomiak encouraged Manitobans to get the shot not the flu as he officially launched the 2002 Influenza and Pneumonia Immunization Campaign.

The program includes two separate vaccinations--one for influenza and one for pneumonia. The focus of the provincewide campaign is to encourage more people who are at risk and health care workers to "Get the Shot - Not the Flu."

"The annual flu outbreak poses serious yet preventable threats to the health of many Manitobans," said the minister. "Flu shots and pneumonia shots are an important and cost effective intervention for maintaining the health of Manitobans. Not only will this reduce their risk of getting the flu, it could also reduce the load on our hospital system during the winter flu season." Last year, approximately 207,000 Manitobans received flu vaccinations and more than 24,000 received the pneumococcal vaccine.

The minister pointed out that influenza can be deadly, especially for the elderly and those with a weakened immune system. A yearly vaccination is the best way to lessen the severity of influenza. The vaccination target for this year is 250,000 Manitobans. It is not possible to get the flu from the shot because there is no live virus in the vaccine.

Pneumococcal disease can cause severe infections and pneumonia. Unlike the influenza vaccine, which has to be given each year, pneumococcal vaccine is usually given only once. The target for the pneumococcal campaign is approximately 50,000 at-risk Manitobans, including residents of personal care homes and individuals with chronic conditions.

"It is important that Manitoba seniors, people with chronic illnesses and health care workers take advantage of the free flu and pneumococcal vaccination program to protect themselves, loved ones and the people around them," said Chomiak.

A provincewide awareness campaign also begins today including television, radio and print advertisements. The campaign encourages Manitobans considered at high risk to contact their local public health clinic for a preventive vaccination.

Flu and pneumococcal vaccines are free for Manitobans with weakened immune systems and those with chronic conditions such as lung, heart and kidney disease. In addition, the flu vaccine is free for all people over 65 years of age. The vaccine is also provided free of charge to health care workers. This year free shots will also be provided to police officers who are involved with emergency health situations and personnel in shelters for the homeless.

Eligible individuals can receive flu and pneumococcal vaccinations at any of the flu clinics set up throughout the province during October and November. Immunization is also available from personal physicians, although physicians may charge a small tray fee for this service to cover the cost of vaccination equipment.

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More information is available at http://www.gov.mb.ca/health/flu/index.html