News

A seasonal flu vaccine clinic will be available to all Dalhousie employees at the Agricultural Campus on Tuesday, November 13, from 9 am – 12 noon, in the Dairy Building Board Room.

Registration is required for this seasonal flu clinic. You can register online and provide the requested information. Note: Remember to bring your Dalhousie employee ID (or Banner number) to the clinic.

The university will pay the cost of the flu vaccine for faculty and staff, which this year is administrative costs only, as the Nova Scotia Department of Health is providing the vaccine free to everyone over six months of age.

All faculty and staff are encouraged to receive the flu shot and can also do so free of charge from their own family physician. People in the high risk category are especially encouraged to receive the flu shot. High risk populations are: 1) people over age 65; 2) babies age 6 to 23 months; 3) adults and children with chronic heart and lung problems, and other chronic diseases; 4) anyone living in the same household as people over 65 or people with chronic illnesses; 5) all health-care workers and students in health-care educational programs for whom it is provided.

If you have questions about the clinic, please contact Maya Churbaji, Human Resources at 494-1134 or maya.churbaji@dal.ca.

FLU FACTS

• A flu vaccine is your best defense against the flu.
• A flu vaccine cannot give you the flu.
• Vaccine side effects are relatively minor.
• November to April is flu season.
• The flu is not a bad cold, is easy to catch and easy to spread.
• Chronic medical conditions (i.e. bronchitis, emphysema, heart disease, diabetes or kidney disease) place you at great risk of serious complications from the flu.

FAQs

Should I get the flu shot?

Everyone can benefit from getting a flu shot each year. Getting the shot improves chances of having a flu-free winter and also avoids transmitting the virus through contacts with people, especially those at high risk of flu-related complications.

Certain groups should not be vaccinated. These include children less than six months of age and people who have had a severe allergic reaction to eggs or to a previous dose of the vaccine.

Why do I need to get the seasonal flu vaccine each year?

It is important to receive the seasonal flu vaccine each year because different flu strains can circulate each season.