Flu shot clinics now open across P.E.I.

Flu shot clinics opened across the province todayand thousands of Islandersare expected to roll up their sleeves for that preventative poke.

It's your best bet to avoid getting the flu, said P.E.I.Chief Health Officer Dr. Heather Morrison.

This year's vaccine"has two strains of A influenza virus and two strains of B influenza virus. Soit's really trying to provide a bit broader coverage," said Morrison."And there's some indication we may have a 'B' season, so that extra strain of influenza B may be important."

Flu season hasn't officially begun yet, and there have been no lab-confirmed cases on the Island,but Morrison said ittypically starts here sometime in late December.

Deadly flu season last year

In the2014-15season, theflu landed98 people in the hospital, 11 in the intensive care unit. Nine people died.

• Ineffective flu vaccine partly responsible for spike in flu deaths

• Flu vaccine paradox adds to public health debate

"Last year was a big impact, there was somemismatchof the vaccine in terms of the strain that was circulating predominantly and what was in the vaccine. So this year we hope there is a better matching process," said Morrison.

This year we hope there is a better matching process.- P.E.I. Chief Health Officer Dr. Heather Morrison

But Morrison hopes that doesn'tdeter Islandersfrom getting the flu shot.

"It's not a perfect vaccine, in terms of, it's not 100% effective. But it is what we know is the best protection for you, your family, and the people you care about in terms of reducing the complications of influenza," said Morrison.

"It really will reduce your chance of getting sick. Even if you do get influenza, it will reduce the complications and the chance you may end up in hospital."

Health P.E.I saysFluMist, anasal vaccine for kids between the ages of two and 17,will be available afterNov. 1.

Flu shot often free on P.E.I.

The user fee for the flu shot is $7. That fee is waived if you are:

• Over the age of 65.
• Between six and 59 months old.
• Pregnantorliving in a household with a pregnant woman.
• A resident of a community care facility.
• Aboriginal.

For more information on flu clinics on P.E.I. clickhere.