NWT continues flu clinics

News Releases

Yellowknife (October 30, 2012) – All public influenza immunization clinics in the Northwest Territories will proceed as scheduled. The decision follows a Health Canada recommendation that flu vaccine made by the pharmaceutical firm Novartis not be used pending a review of the discovery of clumping of particles in the vaccine in Europe.

“This isn’t a major concern for us in the NWT, as the bulk of our supply comes from a different supplier. I have therefore instructed our clinics to proceed as planned,” NWT’s Chief Public Health Officer Dr. André Corriveau said. “Influenza vaccine remains our best prevention against the flu, and I therefore encourage all residents to get their shot.”

October to April is Flu Season. The best protection is an annual flu shot.

People at high risk for influenza-related complications who should take the flu shot are:

  • children between 6 months to 5 years of age

  • pregnant women

  • adults 65 and older

  • individuals who are extremely overweight

  • individuals living in chronic care facilities, regardless of age

  • individuals with chronic medical conditions such as lung disease including asthma, heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease or cancer.

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For more information on dates and times of upcoming clinics visit:

http://www.hss.gov.nt.ca/health/slides/2012-walk-flu-clinics

More information is also available from Health Canada at:

http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/advisories-avis/_2012/2012_162-eng.php

For more information contact:

Damien Healy
Communications Manager
Department of Health and Social Services
Tel: (867) 920-8927