The influenza germ isn t affected by antibiotics. Therefore, prevention is the best strategy. The vaccine has a 70 per cent success rate in healthy children and adults. Among nursing home residents, the vaccine has been up to 60 per cent effective in preventing hospitalization and 75 per cent effective in preventing death. The vaccine is free for high-risk Manitobans and health care workers.
New vaccine is developed each season for the latest virus mutations.
Immunizations should be given every year because the virus strain changes over time and immunity can begin to wear off after a few months. Manitoba Health s goal for 1999-2000 is to increase the provincial immunization rate by 20 per cent overall, to protect about 190,000 individuals. The objective includes a 75 per cent immunization rate among individuals over the age of 65, and among adults and children with chronic medical conditions.