It’s not too late to get vaccinated against the flu: Nunavut government

Keith Peterson, Nunavut’s finance minister, gets a flu shot from public health nurse Susie Pearce in 2013 at the Nunavut Legislative Assembly building in Iqaluit. (FILE PHOTO)

As flu season rolls into the territory, the Government of Nunavut is encouraging Nunavummiut to get their flu shots.

The flu vaccine is available free at community health centres across Nunavut.

Influenza is a common respiratory illness affecting millions of Canadians each year, whose symptoms include fever, fatigue, muscle pain, coughing and headaches.

In a Jan. 9 release, the GN’s department of health says the most effective way to protect yourself from the flu is to get vaccinated each fall, before flu season hits. But, the GN says, it’s never too late.

The flu vaccine, which reaches its maximum effectiveness about two weeks after you get it, will protect you for at least six to 12 months.

Flu mist, a nose spray vaccine, is recommended for children aged two to 17, while adults receive the flu shot. The vaccination is not recommended for babies under six months of age.

In Iqaluit, residents can be vaccinated at the public health office (building 1091) from Monday to Friday, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and from 1:00 to 4:30 p.m.

On Jan. 11, Iqalummiut can also go to public health for vaccinations from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.