Communicable Disease Prevention and Control

Influenza

Information de la grippe en français

The seasonal influenza (flu) vaccine is free for all Nova Scotians this year (2012/2013). This vaccine will protect against three strains of the seasonal influenza that are predicted to circulate this season, including H1N1. 

All Nova Scotians are encouraged to get vaccinated but it is strongly recommended for people at high risk of influenza-related complications and for those who care for them. This includes the following groups:

• Pregnant women 
• People over 65 years of age;
• People of any age who are residents of long-term and other chronic care facilities;
• Adults and children with chronic health conditions
• Children and adolescents (age 6 months to 18 years) with conditions treated for long periods with acetylsalicylic acid (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis patients);
• Adults and children with any condition that can compromise respiratory function or that can increase the risk of aspiration
• Children between 6 months and 5 years of age;
• Aboriginal people
• People with a body mass index greater than 40
• People who live with or care for someone in one of the above groups
• Health Care Workers and Health Care Worker students
• First responders such as paramedics, fire fighters and police
• First Nations Communities
• People living in a home where a newborn is expected during the regular influenza season (usually November to April)

Some of the symptoms of the flu include a fever and/or cough with one or more of the following symptoms: unusual tiredness, headaches, muscle or joint aches, sore throat.

This year, seasonal flu vaccine will be available through physician offices, workplace clinics and public health clinics.

For more information on what is happening in your area please contact your family physician or your local public health office, or go to your district health authorities website by clicking on the map.