The Importance of Getting a Flu Shot: A Guide to Who Should Get Vaccinated

As the flu season approaches, it's essential to take preventive measures to protect yourself and others from this highly contagious disease. One of the most effective ways to do so is by getting a flu shot. But who should get vaccinated? In this article, we'll explore the groups that are specifically recommended for the vaccine, as well as those at high risk of serious illness from influenza.

Who Should Get Vaccinated?

The flu vaccine is not just for anyone; it's especially recommended for certain individuals who may be more susceptible to the virus. These include:

* Those who provide care or service to people at high risk in potential outbreak settings, such as cruise ships

* Inmates of provincial correctional institutions

* Visitors to healthcare facilities and other patient care locations

* Doctors, nurses, and others working in healthcare settings, including long-term care facilities, who have contact with patients

* Household contacts, caregivers, and daycare staff of children under 5 years of age

* Household contacts (including children) of people at high risk

People Able to Spread Influenza to Those at High Risk

Additionally, there are groups that may spread influenza to those at high risk, including:

* Indigenous Peoples who may be at increased risk of serious illness from influenza due to health inequities resulting from colonialism

* People with health conditions causing difficulty breathing, swallowing, or a risk of choking on food or fluids, such as those with severe brain damage, spinal cord injury, seizures, or neuromuscular disorders

* Kidney disease, chronic liver disease (such as hepatitis), diabetes, cancer, anemia, or weakened immune system

* Heart or lung disorders that require regular medical care, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or cystic fibrosis

* Children and adults with certain medical conditions, including those required to take Aspirin for long periods due to a medical condition

People at High Risk of Serious Illness from Influenza

Those who are at high risk of serious illness from influenza include:

* The vaccine is especially recommended for people who are at high risk of serious illness from influenza and those able to spread influenza to those at high risk.

Getting Immunized

The flu vaccine is available at no charge and is recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older. You can find information on booking an appointment to get immunized on the Government of British Columbia's website.

For your best protection, get immunized as soon as possible. In B.C., influenza vaccines are usually available beginning in October. All of the vaccines are approved by Health Canada. For more information, see HealthLinkBC File #12e Live Attenuated Influenza (Flu) Vaccine.

Getting a flu shot is an essential step in protecting yourself and others from this highly contagious disease. By understanding who should get vaccinated and why, you can take proactive measures to prevent the spread of influenza. Remember, it's especially recommended for those at high risk of serious illness from influenza and those able to spread influenza to those at high risk.

Don't wait until it's too late; get your flu shot today and help keep yourself and others healthy during flu season.

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