Flu Campaign Targets Health Workers and People at Risk

Public health officials are reminding Nova Scotians that flu season is approaching and immunization is the most effective way to protect against influenza.

November through April is the prime period for flu in Canada. It has been estimated that between 300 and 400 people died last year in Nova Scotia because of complications due to influenza. About 20,000 visits to doctors in the province last year were attributed to the flu and more than 2,500 people were hospitalized as a result of complications from influenza.

"We want to remind people that the best way to minimize the impact of flu season is to get a flu shot," said Health Minister Jamie Muir. "More people than ever chose to receive a flu shot last year and that reduced illness as well as the strain on our health system."

Several groups of people are advised to receive a flu shot, including adults and children who suffer from chronic heart and lung problems, as well as other chronic diseases. Household contacts of people at risk should also consider getting a flu shot. As always, seniors 65 years of age and older should also receive a vaccination. All of these individuals are eligible for a free flu shot.

Once again the Department of Health is also funding flu vaccine for health-care workers to encourage immunization for staff and volunteers who work with patients and residents in the province's health-care organizations.

"A flu shot is a safe and effective way for health-care workers to protect themselves and others from influenza," said Dr. Rob Strang, medical officer of health for the Department of Health. "Influenza can lead to serious complications, particularly among seniors and other people at risk because of chronic diseases. Choosing to be immunized protects yourself, your family, and patients and residents in health-care organizations."

Health-care workers are staff and volunteers in hospitals or long-term care facilities and in-home care agencies, physician's offices or other community settings who are in contact with patients. The group also includes paramedics and pharmacists. "These workers, more than any other members of the public, are capable of transmitting the influenza virus to people who are at risk for illness and serious complications," said Dr. Strang.

"Last year, about 50 per cent of the province's health-care workers were immunized, and while we're pleased the numbers continue to improve, they're not good enough yet," said Dr. Strang. "Health-care workers have a responsibility to protect the health of their patients and residents -- if they're able to be immunized, then they should be immunized."

Two new initiatives are being launched this year by the Department of Health, in cooperation with the physicians and pharmacists of Nova Scotia, to help increase the uptake of vaccine.

Through the Academic Detailing Service offered by the Department of Health and Dalhousie University Continuing Medical Education, physicians across the province are receiving on-site education sessions to learn more about influenza. They can then communicate the benefits of vaccination to their patients. The Pharmacy Association of Nova Scotia is also assisting. Pharmacists have received training and will be distributing influenza fact sheets to all patients receiving prescriptions as a reminder to have their flu shot.

This year's flu immunization campaign is a project of the Department of Health, in co-operation with district health authorities, Lung Association of Nova Scotia, Medical Society of Nova Scotia, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia, Nova Scotia Association of Health Organizations, Nova Scotia Nurses Union, Pharmacy Association of Nova Scotia, Senior Citizens Secretariat, Canadian Pensioners Concerned, Infection Control Association of Nova Scotia and the Canadian Cancer Society, Nova Scotia Division.