IQALUIT
Nunavut health officials are hoping more residents across the territory will take advantage of the free immunization against the influenza virus this year.

Public health nurse Sarah MacRury administers a nasal spray vaccine to J.J. Tatty at the Iqaluit public health office on Oct. 21. The spray is given to children aged two to 17. - Myles Dolphin/NNSL photo

The Government of Nunavut began its annual campaign to encourage Nunavummiut to get vaccinated on Oct. 21.

Last year, only 15 per cent of the population visited health centres in order to be immunized, and the turnout was only slightly higher in 2010 at 20 per cent.

The numbers have consistently decreased since the 2009 H1N1 outbreak, which convinced close to 60 per cent of Nunavummiut to get vaccinated.

Nunavut's chief medical officer, Dr. Maureen Baikie, said she doesn't quite know why so few residents make the decision to protect themselves, and others, against the virus.

"There's no one reason," she said. "I think it's probably a combination of reasons."

Two vaccines are available this year - a nasal spray for children aged two to 17, and a vaccination for all other age groups.

The vaccine, available at health centres across the territory, isn't recommended for babies six months or younger.

Baikie said the bulk of vaccines have already arrived in communities, with the rest to arrive shortly.

The influenza season runs from January to May in Nunavut, and officials are encouraging residents to get their vaccinations before the holiday season so they can be protected when it arrives.

The virus, which infected roughly 10 per cent of Canadians in the 2009 outbreak, is spread through coughing, sneezing or nasal fluids.

The symptoms include sore muscles, loss of appetite, sore throat, fatigue and fever.

Baikie said the people at greatest risk of being affected by the virus are children and the elderly.

Nunavut has seen its fair share of flu epidemics over the years.

There were 496 confirmed cases of the swine flu throughout the territory on Aug. 5, 2009, according to the Government of Nunavut.

In January 2000, a flu epidemic hit the Hudson Bay community of Sanikiluaq, affecting more than 100 people.

Tips to avoid the flu

• Getting a yearly influenza vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and your family.
• Washing your hands prevents the spread of all flu viruses. Wash your hands with soap and water thoroughly and often. No special soap is required.
• When soap and water is not available, use an alcohol-based sanitizer (gel or wipes).
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and dispose of tissue. Cough into your upper sleeve if you don't have a tissue.
• Stay at home when you have the flu, and try to stay away from others in the house.
• Keep common surfaces and items such as door handles, telephone mouthpiece, kitchen and bathroom counters and computer keyboards clean and disinfected. You can use regular household cleaners to disinfect.

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