Get vaccinated against the flu? – Kelowna News



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Get vaccinated against the flu?

Madison Erhardt

The flu season is fast approaching and health professionals are encouraging people to roll up their sleeves and get vaccinated – the influenza vaccine, that is to say.

"Most influenza vaccines used in British Columbia contain three strains: two influenza A strains and one B strain. In addition, there is a children's vaccine containing two B strains. In general, the influenza vaccine offers approximately 40 to 60 % Bonnie Henry, Provincial Public Health Officer.

Adults most at risk for influenza-related complications are adults and children with underlying health conditions, residents of retirement homes and other long-term care facilities, persons 65 years of age and over , children under 60 months, pregnant women and Aboriginal people.

"We are still at the beginning of the 2018-2019 season, so it is too early to say for sure which strain will be the most prevalent or how effective the vaccine will be in BC," said Henry.

"That being said, based on what we observed in the southern hemisphere this year, influenza A H1N1 was the main circulating strain and it is one of the strains against which the influenza vaccine has always been well protected, "added Henry.

Castanet has taken to the streets to ask Kelowna residents if they will be vaccinated.

If you have any thoughts on this, send us an email at [email protected].

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