Yellowknife (Oct 15/04) - Flu season is approaching as surely as winter itself, bringing sickness, fever, pains and the bad kind of time off work. But help is at hand, as vaccinations are soon to begin.

Flu vaccinations begin soon for high-risk groups. In November anyone who doesn't want to get sick can get one too. - NNSL file photo

Dr. Andre Corriveau, chief medical health officer with the Department of Health and Social Services, said vaccinations begin the week of Oct. 25 for some high-risk groups, and will start in November for the rest of the population.

A well-matched flu shot can give 95 per cent protection against the virus.

A rush on the vaccine occurred last year and Yellowknife almost ran out, but Corriveau said that's unlikely to happen again this year.

"We've increased our supply considerably, so hopefully we'll have enough," he said.

Stock has been increased by 20 per cent to accommodate any rise in demand.

A mix-up at an English pharmaceutical company, which cut the American supply in half, will not affect Canadians, said Corriveau.

The high-risk demographic includes people in long-term care facilities, those with chronic illnesses or weak immune systems, children aged six months to 23 months and health care workers.

Children under six months should not get the vaccine, but Corriveau said parents and others in the home should be vaccinated to prevent exposure.

The early vaccinations are for people who can be easily visited by nurses, explained Laurie Vallillee, manager of public health with the Yellowknife Health and Social Services Authority. This includes residents of Aven Manor and the Salvation Army.

Anyone else, high-risk or otherwise, should visit a public clinic in November.

Anyone can be vaccinated if they wish and in the NWT there is no cost.

"It benefits everybody -- anybody who doesn't want to miss work or get sick," said Corriveau.

The only people who shouldn't get a flu vaccine are those allergic to eggs, because the vaccine is made from antibodies harvested from chicken embryos.

The flu vaccine is composed of three strains that research has identified as the prevalent forms for the year. Corriveau said this year's vaccine should work well and "we don't have any evidence that a new flu strain is coming."

Flu clinics and vaccinations for the general public begin Nov. 1. A seniors-only clinic is scheduled for Oct. 22 at the Baker Centre.