The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit is now distributing seasonal flu vaccine to doctors’ offices and long-term care homes for the first phase of this year’s immunization campaign.

This is the first of two flu vaccines being offered to the public. The second, due in early November, will provide protection against the new H1N1 flu virus.

Following provincial guidelines, the health unit recommends this seasonal vaccine for those over the age of 65, and people living in long-term care homes.

Public vaccine clinics are not being held for this round of the immunization program. Those over 65 will be able to get their vaccine from their personal physicians or through health care staff in the residences.

“Surveillance is showing that the prevailing strain of flu in the world is the H1N1 flu virus,” explained Medical Officer of Health Dr. Charles Gardner.  “We are offering the seasonal flu vaccine to seniors first because people in their 60s seem to have some natural resistance to the new H1N1 strain of flu. At the same time we know they are at risk of more serious illness from the seasonal varieties of flu, so we want to make sure these people are protected.”

It’s best to call your doctor or health care professional to book an appointment for the seasonal flu shot, as the early indications are that there is a great deal of interest in the vaccine. Those over 65 who do not have a personal physician can call the health unit to book an appointment at a regularly scheduled immunization clinic near them. Additional clinics have been added to this schedule.

“Our phone lines have been very busy with calls from seniors and others who have regularly received the flu shot in past years,” said Laurie Stanford, manager of the vaccine preventable disease program at the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit.

This is the first of three phases of flu immunization through the fall and early winter. The next phase will offer public clinics starting soon, providing the H1N1 flu vaccine. Clinic schedules are being prepared but will not be announced until the health unit learns when the vaccine will be delivered.

The third phase of the program, which will offer the seasonal flu vaccine to all people over the age of six months who wish to receive it, will begin in the new year.

For more information about the flu and the pandemic H1N1 flu virus, visit the health unit’s website at www.simcoemuskokahealth.org. You can also speak with a public health professional by calling Your Health Connection at 721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520 Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.