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Flu season is here – is your family immunized?

Did you know that out of any age group, children experience the highest rates of seasonal influenza (15-25 per cent) and are also at the highest risk of complications due to influenza?
 
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To better protect patients and their families from influenza, BC Children's Hospital Family Immunization Clinic offers free flu shots for children, family members, pregnant women and visitors of patients. Both pediatric (including nasal spray) and adult flu vaccines are available. 

Even healthy people can get very sick from the flu, and infected people are highly contagious and can spread influenza to others for up to 24 hours before showing symptoms. The flu shot is safe and effective at preventing illness, especially when used with other infection prevention practices such as proper hand hygiene and staying home when sick. 

As of December 2, 2019, all staff, volunteers and visitors to the hospital or other Provincial Health Services Authority sites must have had a flu shot or are required to wear a mask during flu season (December 2, 2019 until approximately March 2020).

Masks will be available at nursing stations, outpatient reception desks and the main entrances of our facilities. This policy applies to all patient care facilities in BC. 

Family Immunization Clinic details
Dates: Flu shots available October 15 to March 2020 (approximately). All other publicly-funded immunizations are available year-round.
Hours: Monday - Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Location: Ambulatory Care Building (ACB), BC Children's Hospital; Main Level, Entrance 21
Or to pre-book an appointment, call 604-875-3000

Flu shot myths
The flu vaccine can give me the flu.
No - you will not get the flu from having the flu vaccine because it does not contain any live virus. Some people do experience mild side-effects after they get a flu vaccine, but this rarely lasts more than 48 hours. 

I don't need the flu shot because I never get sick.
No - while you may not be at serious risk of influenza that doesn't mean those around you aren't vulnerable to it. Even carrying mild influenza symptoms increase the chances of passing it on to those around you. 

The flu shot doesn't work.
No – immunization is the best way to protect yourself and others against influenza.

BC Children's Family Immunization Clinic provides all publicly-funded immunizations at no cost to patients at BC Children's and BC Women's and their friends and family visiting the hospital.

Not visiting BC Children's? Find a convenient flu clinic location, along with more information about flu vaccination including who's eligible for a free seasonal flu shot, at Immunize BC.

Are you a PHSA employee? Visit the staff influenza resource page for details on how this policy applies to PHSA staff.

 

 


BC Children's Hospital; Health alert
Children's Health
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