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Health officials are encouraging residents to get their flu shots, available free to everyone over six months of age.

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Roll up your sleeves, Richmond

By Richmond Sentinel

Published 11:51 PDT, Tue October 19, 2021

Last Updated: 11:51 PDT, Tue October 19, 2021

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Richmondites are being encouraged to protect themselves and those around them against influenza this year by getting a flu shot.

The influenza vaccination is free for everyone in B.C. older than six months.

The unique circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic and the strain it has put on the health care system continue to make influenza immunization a priority.

"All British Columbians should get vaccinated against influenza to protect themselves and their loved ones from serious illness, to reduce the strain on our hard-working health workers and to do our part to make sure the health system continues to be there for people who need it, where they need it and when they need it," said Health Minister Adrian Dix. "I'm grateful to all of our health care workers, including physicians, pharmacists, nurses, nurse practitioners and others for how they help people get immunized to protect themselves and those they care about."

Seasonal influenza and other respiratory viruses will be in communities alongside COVID-19 this fall and winter. In addition to COVID-19, it has the potential to escalate pressures already faced by the health-care system, particularly if the effects from COVID-19 and seasonal influenza occur at the same.

"This year, it's especially important for people to get vaccinated against influenza. Last year's low influenza rates means our immunity against influenza is lower than usual," said Dr. Bonnie Henry, provincial health officer. "Getting your influenza vaccine this year is more important than ever to protect yourself, your community and our overstretched health care system."

Pharmacies around B.C. have played an important role in providing easy access to influenza vaccines since 2009. This year, influenza vaccines are available to pharmacies through a direct-distribution model. This means pharmacies are able to order vaccine directly from distributors, making influenza immunization easier and more flexible for people in B.C.

"Pharmacists played a key role in helping people get immunized against COVID-19 earlier this year and administered the majority of influenza doses last year," said Geraldine Vance, chief executive officer of the B.C. Pharmacy Association. "We're proud of the role we continue to play in protecting our health-care system and keeping everyone safe."

Influenza vaccines have been available already for certain high-risk groups. As they become available more broadly to the public throughout the province, people in British Columbia are encouraged to check their health authority's website or call their health-care provider or pharmacist to check for availability and to make an appointment.

For more information about the influenza vaccines, visit: https://immunizebc.ca/influenza. To find a flu clinic, including the nearest community pharmacies, visit: https://immunizebc.ca/clinics/flu#14/48.4283/-123.3565.