Seasonal influenza season is here (Saskatoon Health Region)

Seasonal influenza vaccine is available to everyone beginning October 12, 2010 until March 31, 2011. All ages benefit from annual influenza vaccine but it is important those considered at high risk be immunized.

People at high risk of complications or hospitalization:

* People 65 years of age or older (or turn 65 prior to March 31, 2011)
* Pregnant women
* Children 6 months to 4 years of age
* People who are severely obese
* People of any age who are residents of nursing homes and other chronic care facilities
* Anyone with chronic health conditions such as:

-- chronic heart or lung disorders (including cystic fibrosis and asthma);
-- diabetes;
-- cancer, immunodeficiency, immunosuppression (due to underlying disease and/or therapy);
-- renal disease;
-- anemia or hemoglobinopathy;
-- conditions with an increased risk of aspiration (muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis or acquired brain injury);
-- children and adolescents with conditions treated for long periods with acetylsalicylic acid;

Household and close contacts:

* Of any of the categories listed above,
* Of infants less than 6 months of age,
* Households expecting a newborn before March 31, 2011

Other groups:

* Healthcare providers, health care students and registered volunteers
* Physicians and medical office staff
* People providing regular child care to children less than 5 years of age
* People employed in the poultry and hog industry