Manitobans encouraged to get flu shot

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 09/10/2018 (2024 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The seasonal flu vaccine is once again available free of charge to all Manitobans aged six months and older.

Forty-six people with lab-confirmed cases of the flu died in Manitoba last winter, the highest number in three years, while another 35 were admitted into intensive care units. In total, there were 505 hospitalizations due to influenza during the 2017-18 season, more than the previous two seasons combined and the highest since 2009-10. The number of hospitalizations last winter due to patients suffering from the flu created backlogs in emergency departments and urgent care centres.

A record number of people received flu vaccines last winter in Manitoba, with more than 320,000 doses administered. In total, 22.5 percent of Manitobans registered with Manitoba Health, Seniors and Active Living received the vaccine.

Regional health authorities will also soon begin immunization clinics. Check Manitoba’s seasonal influenza website or contact Health Links at 1-888-315-9257 toll-free for dates, times and locations.