Health officials recommend getting flu vaccine early

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It’s that time of year again, provincial health officials are advising Nova Scotians to get their flu shots

This year’s vaccine provides increased protection, deputy chief medical officer of health Dr. Frank Atherton said last year’s immunization only covered off three strains.

“The flu vaccine this year contains a vaccine against four strains, two A-strains and two B-strains,” he told NEWS 95.7.

Atherton said the vaccine effectiveness is different for various strains of flu.

“The H1N1 that we’ve seen in Nova Scotia over the last few years, the vaccine effectiveness has tended to be in the 60 to 70 per cent range,” he explained. “For H3N2 flu, which was the dominant form last year, it’s been down in the 30 to 50 per cent range.”

NEWS 95.7’s House Calls Dr. John Gillis said H3N2 is included in this year’s vaccine, but the strain has mutated a little bit.

“That’s reduced its efficacy, but you still should get it,” he said. “Even at 50 per cent on that strain, and much higher percentages on other strains, it’s the best way to prevent the flu.”

Gillis told The Rick Howe Show, he’s already seen signs of influenza in the emergency room.

Atherton said the immunization is less effective once flu season has peaked, usually around Christmas, and recommended getting injected before the holidays.

Nova Scotians wanting protection can get a flu vaccine through their doctor or at a local pharmacy free of charge.

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