Manitobans who choose to receive the free influenza vaccine this year will now be protected against four different influenza viruses.
The Chief Provincial Public Health Officer advises that the province, like other jurisdictions in Canada, is experiencing an increase in cases of seasonal influenza in Manitoba.
The manager of the Canadian Swine Health Intelligence Network is encouraging pork producers and the public to get their flu shots to help limit any spread of influenza.
Getting immunized against the flu will be easier for Manitobans this year with access to more health-care professionals able to administer the flu vaccines and additional locations including pharmacies, new ACCESS centres and QuickCare clinics.
The Canadian Swine Health Board is once again encouraging pork producers to protect themselves and their swine herds by being vaccinated against seasonal influenza.
The Office of the Chief Provincial Public Health advises the province is experiencing the typical increases in cases of seasonal influenza in Manitoba, indicating that flu season is underway.
Manitoba Health reports the flu is here with an earlier start to the influenza season and a higher number of laboratory-confirmed cases compared to previous years.
The executive director of the Canadian Swine Health Board suggests actions being taken to encourage swine barn workers to protect themselves and their pigs by being vaccinated against seasonal influenza is a classic example of the “One Health” concept.
Health Canada has declared Novartis products Agriflu and Fluad influenza vaccines safe for use.
As a precautionary step, Health Canada asked Novartis to suspend distribution of Novartis products Agriflu and Fluad influenza vaccines in Canada until a full review of the products are completed following the detection of particles in some doses by the manufacturer.
