For some, the threat of Ebola is far scarier than the common seasonal flu. Yet the threat of influenza can be just as serious as any other communicable disease. The Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region has begun its seasonal influenza campaign. During the campaign, a free influenza vaccine will be available at various locations across the city to all Saskatchewan residents six months of age or older.
The University of Regina Lifelong Learning Centre held one of the region’s influenza immunization clinics Monday. Kerrie Strathy, the division head of the Lifelong Learning Centre, helped coordinate the clinic.
“A lot of our students are here, but a lot of people from the general public are here (as well) because we don’t have the huge line-ups that they have at the shopping malls,” Strathy said.
For very young children, elderly people, and people with serious underlying health conditions, the influenza virus can be especially dangerous.
“It’s actually a fairly serious illness and it’s something that can be prevented if people get their immunization shot, not only for themselves, but for their friends and family and coworkers,” Strathy explained.
But not everyone plans on receiving the vaccine. Brooks Ross, a U of R student, isn’t sure whether or not she will get the flu shot.
“I’ve never gotten it before so I don’t know if I want to get it. I just know friends and people who’ve gotten it; they get sick way more often,” Ross said.
RQHR immunization supervisor Donna Churko still encourages everyone to get immunized. She believes there is no reason not to get the flu vaccine.
“This year, we don’t have official numbers yet, but just from anecdotal experience, I would say that we are seeing more people attending our flu clinics this year than we did last year,” Churko said. “Hopefully it’s because people realize the benefit of getting immunized. I think even now there’s been a fair bit of media about Ebola and the Enterovirus D68 virus, so I think people are becoming more aware of the importance of prevention.”
The vaccination will be available until March 31, 2015, with mass clinics available every day at various locations around the city until Nov. 7.
