Influenza vaccine now available
Flu shots have arrived and Islanders are strongly encouraged to take part in the expanded immunization program this year, says Health and Wellness Minister Doug Currie.
Public health nursing offices, provincial health centres and physicians’ offices across Prince Edward Island will be receiving their first shipment of influenza vaccine this week and are in the process of setting up vaccine clinics for this season.
“This year we are offering free immunization clinics to all Islanders 65 years of age and over, with clinics running from midOctober to mid- November,” said Currie. “Seniors are a high- risk group for catching the flu and this new program will help protect them and reduce the pressure on our Island health- care system.”
“The influenza vaccine provides the best protection against flu viruses every year. All residents, especially those considered at high risk of complications or those at risk of spreading influenza to others at high risk, are encouraged to get the vaccine,” said chief public health officer Dr. Heather Morrison.
This year’s seasonal influenza vaccine ( flu shot) provides protection against Influenza A ( H1N1), Influenza A ( H3N2) and Influenza B, which are presently being seen in other countries.
While everyone over six months of age is encouraged to receive the flu shot, the following people are at highest risk of serious illness from influenza virus: • children aged six months to 59 months of age; • pregnant women; • those with chronic health conditions, such as heart and lung conditions, diabetes or cancer; • adults 65 years of age and over. The following groups are strongly encouraged • household contacts of the above groups; • health- care workers, childcare workers and any other professionals who may be at risk for transmitting the virus to people in the high- risk category;
The Department of Health and Wellness provides the vaccine to physicians’ offices, provincial health centres, long- term care facilities, hospitals and public health nursing offices free of charge.
This year, there will be no administrative fee charged at the free seniors clinics in communities across the province.
For more information on influenza, the influenza vaccine or clinic locations, visit www. gov. pe. ca/ flu.
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vaccine: Brad Pineau has always liked the idea of people coming together for a good cause.
However, the downfall is most of the events only happen once per year.
It led Pineau to see if he could think of a way to do something similar and sustain it year- round.
As the owner and chief technical officer for P. E. I.based software companies Timeless Medical Systems and Timeless Technologies, Pineau has the means and the know- how to make a difference.
On Wednesday, Pineau launched a new non- profit initiative called Coding for Cures, with the intent of building web and mobile products to fund research for multiple diseases, with all proceeds going to charities.
The idea was inspired by Pineau’s mother, who was diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome when he was young.
The disease currently does not have a cure.
“My mother is my hero, and it