A message from the First Nations Health Authority’s (FNHA) Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Evan Adams
Flu season is once again lurking around the corner, but the good news is that there are things we can do to protect ourselves—and in turn, our communities—from coming down with a nasty case of it. The most powerful of these things is getting the flu shot and getting it early.
As a physician—and member of a First Nations community—I cannot emphasize enough the importance and effectiveness of the flu vaccination. This is because while the flu is common, it can also be very serious. In fact, the flu causes more deaths annually than all other vaccine-preventable diseases combined, particularly among the elderly. In Canada alone, there are approximately 3,500 deaths from the flu and its complications every year.
The BC Centre for Disease Control says initial indications are that this year’s flu season will start early—with cases already appearing in multiple provinces—and that the dominant strain may be stronger than last year’s. Fortunately, however, the 2016-2017 vaccine is a good match for this flu strain, and I strongly encourage you to get your shot sooner rather than later.
The more people who are vaccinated, the greater the protection offered, so by getting your flu shot, you are not only helping to protect yourself, you’re helping to protect those around you. This is why community immunization is even more important for us as our Elders, young children, newborns and those with weakened immune systems are especially susceptible to the flu. Every person who gets vaccinated is helping ensure the protection of the most vulnerable among us.
Diseases spread quickly in tight-knit communities, making hospitalization and mortality rates higher for Aboriginal people during a pandemic. Also, many of us have community winter gatherings coming up, and these should be a time for celebrating, not for worrying. So let’s ensure that we’re safe to share company (and hugs) with by getting our shots! I’m sure all of us can name Elders or children we want to protect during this festive season.
Flu shots are free in BC to Aboriginal people and other higher-risk-for-flu groups at local pharmacies and medical clinics. You can visit FNHA’s flu information page, www.immunizebc.ca or call 8-1-1 to find a clinic location near you. Please don’t worry about the myths circulated by non-physicians about vaccinations. The medical facts are that vaccines are among the safest health interventions available, that serious side effects are extremely rare and that the most common side effect is a mildly sore arm. I get my flu shot every year, and I always recommend that my loved ones do, too.
Once you’ve got your flu shot, be sure to supplement it with other effective infection-control practices, such as washing your hands frequently, avoiding touching your face and remaining home when sick. All of this effective preventive care can be combined with traditional healing and wellness practices for the best health outcomes.
Again, let’s do what we can to protect our Elders, friends and babies from the flu—please go out and get your flu shot early! If you’d like to learn more about the flu and the flu shot, you can visit our website. Thank you for doing your part to protect your community!
Be healthy and well,
Dr. Evan Adams
