FRANCAIS

November 05, 2004

Manitoba immunization providers are being asked to focus over the next few weeks on providing influenza vaccine to those most at risk.

As an interim measure, Manitobans capable of transmitting influenza to those at high risk are being asked to delay making appointments for their flu shots until further notice. These people include health-care workers, first responders and healthy family members in close contact with infants or the elderly and others at risk. While healthy Manitobans may benefit from a preventative flu shot, they are less likely to develop serious complications from influenza.

Manitoba Health continues to prioritize the free publicly-funded vaccine supply for Manitobans most at risk. Those eligible include:

·         adults and children with a chronic disease including heart or lung disorders, diabetes or immunodeficiency disorders;

·         children aged six to 23 months;

·         adults 65 years of age or older;

·         people of any age who are residents of personal care homes or other chronic care facilities; and

·         children and adolescents (aged six months to 18 years) with conditions treated for long periods with aspirin.

A letter to be sent today from Manitoba Health to physicians and regional health authorities emphasizes that the flu shot is still available free of charge to individuals who meet the above eligibility requirements for high risk.

Regional health immunization providers will be asked to delay new appointments for the flu vaccine for people capable of transmitting influenza to those at risk including health-care workers and close family contacts, but existing appointments and scheduled flu clinics should be observed.

This fall, Manitoba Health has seen a high demand for influenza vaccine in the province due to several factors including extensive media attention and public awareness of a vaccine shortage in the United States.

Through the publicly-funded vaccine program, Manitoba Health has sent record amounts of influenza vaccine to clinics and practitioners across the province.

Manitoba Health is actively working to redistribute existing vaccine supply and to secure additional supply to meet extra demand.

More information is available on the Manitoba Health website at http://www.gov.mb.ca/health/flu/index.html. Manitobans are also encouraged to contact Health Links-Info Santé in Winnipeg at 788-8200 or (toll free) 1-888-315-9257 or to contact their physicians to see if they meet the eligibility requirements for Manitoba’s publicly-funded influenza vaccination program.

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