Flu clinics in Richmond went ahead as scheduled, despite a Health Canada's vaccine suspension earlier in the week.
With the flu season fast approaching, Vancouver Coastal Health was this week encouraging people to "make prevention contagious" by getting vaccinated as soon as possible.
VCH clinics in Richmond were not affected by Health Canada's suspension of Novartis vaccines, which was lifted Wednesday morning.
While VCH uses the Novartis-made Fluad and Agriflu vaccines, these are not being currently administered, the organization said in a press release.
Seniors, who normally receive the Fluad vaccine, had been advised to wait until it had been cleared for use.
The flu, said VCH, is highly contagious and can cause serious complications for the very young, old and those with underlying health conditions. Approximately 2,000 to 8,000 people die every year across Canada from complications due to the flu and pneumonia, and 90 per cent of those who die are seniors.
"Seniors can catch the flu from their family members and care providers," said Richmond's medical health officer, Dr. James Lu.
"All seniors should be vaccinated. It is also important that caregivers and anyone who lives with seniors get vaccinated so that they don't pass the flu on to them."
Young children are also among those affected by complications. For the first time in B.C., flu shots are free for all children from six months to 59 months (under five years); previously the vaccine was free for children under two years.
The flu shot is also free for: people over 65, pregnant women, Aboriginal people, people with chronic health conditions, or those with compromised immune systems.
Also new this year, VCH is the only health authority in B.C. to pilot FluMist, a vaccine in the form of a nasal spray.
Children and youth two to 17 years old, who are eligible for a free flu shot, can choose the traditional vaccine with a needle or the FluMist, which is available on a first come, first served basis at physicians' offices and public health clinics.
Flu vaccinations are available at special flu clinics, doctors' offices, pharmacies, walk-in clinics, and at the VCH Travel Clinic. For more information, go to www.vch.ca.
