Campaign launches to encourage Manitobans to get flu shots

A health-care worker shows off a flu shot in Winnipeg at the campaign kickoff on Oct. 16, 2012.

The province held a kickoff event on Tuesday morning aimed at having Manitobans to get the flu shot.

Health Minister Theresa Oswald received a flu shot at the event.

This year, health officials said the flu shot will protect against H1N1 and the most-common strains of influenza.

Health officials suggest everyone should get the shot, especially seniors 65 years or older, residents of care homes, children under five, people with chronic illness, pregnant women, individuals of aboriginal ancestry and people who are severely overweight or obese.

Care-givers and health-care workers are also urged to get the shot.

“Getting the flu shot isn’t just about protecting yourself. It does (that), but it’s about protecting people you love as well,” said Oswald.

Health officials also advised people to take additional precautions, such as using a tissue or sleeve to cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze and rinsing hands with warm water and soap, or using an alcohol-based hand rub when soap and water is not available.

Flu shots are available at many health clinics or doctors’ offices.

Information on clinic dates and locations is available from local public health offices, regional health authorities, the province's seasonal flu website and by calling Health Links-Info Santé at 204-788-8200 or 1-888-315-9257 (toll-free).

The WRHA also has a list of flu-shot clinics, which can be viewed on CTV Winnipeg's website.