Once again this year, the Manitoba government is funding free vaccination for high-risk individuals, including people over 65 years of age, Manitobans whose immune systems are weakened by disease or medication, and those with chronic conditions such as asthma, heart and kidney disease. For the second year, vaccination will also be provided free of charge to health care workers, who can play an important role in preventing the spread of flu, but who have a traditionally low rate of immunization. The Winnipeg Hospital Authority and Winnipeg Community and Long-term Care Authority are carrying out a major awareness campaign aimed at hospital staff, home care workers and staff in seniors residences, as well as work site flu clinics to make vaccination more convenient for health care workers. A variety of other community initiatives are underway throughout the province. Health care workers and high risk individuals can receive free flu vaccination at any of the flu clinics set up throughout the province during October and November.
Immunization is also available from physicians.
I commend all those who will help protect their health and the health of others by getting their flu shots in the coming weeks. The influenza virus has arrived in Manitoba. On October 26, public health officials confirmed an outbreak of Influenza A in a Killarney personal care home the first confirmation of the flu virus in Manitoba this winter. Influenza is not just a bad cold or an upset stomach. It is a serious respiratory infection.