It is recommended that all those with a high risk of catching influenza receive the vaccine. High risk groups include people over the age of 65; adults or children with chronic heart or lung disease; residents of chronic care facilities; adults or children with diabetes, kidney disease, or other chronic illness. This year, healthy children between the ages of six months and 23 months have been added to the list of people for whom the vaccine is recommended because of the high risk of hospital admission should they contract influenza. Health care workers are also encouraged to receive the vaccine for the benefit of their patients, their families and themselves.

“Even if they are not in a high risk group, everyone aged two to 64 should be encouraged to receive the vaccine,” Dr. Sweet said.

Health clinics across the province will provide the vaccine for those without family physicians. Announcements will be forthcoming in the near future regarding dates and times for those wishing to make an appointment to receive their vaccination.