The author gets stuck…er ‘immunized’ by a Northwestern Health Unit nurse during the interview.

Northwestern Health Unit seeks to increase  awareness of the wider benefits of flu vaccination

By Chris Marchand

In a quiet year for influenza in the region, the Northwestern Health Unit is hoping to increase awareness of how the benefits of vaccination extend beyond the individual.

“It’s kind of a ripple effect,” says Northwestern Health Unit Public Health Nurse Judy Hovi. “The flu shot protects not only you as an individual, but also your family and friends and the community at large.”

While hospital staffers, police, emergency services personnel and other professionals who work closely with the public have in recent years been strongly urged to get vaccinated, Hovi says they hope to cultivate a sense of responsibility and prevention in the general public.

“You hear people say, ‘I never get the flu, so I don’t need the shot’. That may be so, but if you have a grandmother in long-term care, she may be frail and more vulnerable to you bringing viruses to her. If someone is immune-compromised or undergoing cancer treatment, they can be more vulnerable as well. You can help protect them.”

The Health Unit has administered about 1,000 doses thus far in its fall influenza campaign. Last year saw around 1,200 — significantly down from 2009’s H1N1 pandemic, which saw nearly 3,000 local vaccinations, along with an additional 850 seasonal flu vaccinations.

While various bugs have ravaged the townsfolk throughout the fall, Hovi says members of the public commonly confuse the flu with gastro-intestinal viruses.

“When you mention flu, a lot of people think of ‘the stomach-flu’ — with vomiting and diarrhea, that sort of thing,” said Hovi. “For us, when we talk about the influenza season, we’re talking about respiratory illness caused by specific strains of viruses.”

The Northwestern Health Unit is offering immunizations by appointment. Those interested in making an appointment or asking questions about the flu shot can call the Heath Unit’s Flu Shot hotline at 1-866-468-2240 to speak to a live operator, check out the Northwestern Health Unit website at www.nwhu.on.ca, or contact the local office at 223-3301.