Flu clinics are set to begin in Greater Trail on Friday on the heels of Health Canada’s announcement that it has rescinded the suspension of the Novartis influenza vaccine.
Health Canada announced Wednesday that Novartis-made vaccines have been approved for use in Canada and Europe after an investigation of one batch in Europe.
B.C. Provincial Health Officer Dr. Perry Kendall said the suspension was precautionary and related to effectiveness, and there is no safety concern.
Earlier this week, Interior Health issued a press release advising the public that the clinics will continue as scheduled using its primary vaccine product Vaxigrip.
The first local flu clinic will be held on Friday at the Rossland Miner’s Hall from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Next week Trail will host a clinic on Nov. 7 at the Cominco Gym from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Other clinics in Trail will be held on Nov. 14 at the Kiro Wellness Centre from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Nov. 28 at Kiro from 9 a.m. to noon.
A third clinic at the Kiro centre will be held Dec. 12 from 9 a.m. to noon. Children’s second immunizations will be made by appointment.
There will be one clinic at the Fruitvale Hall on Nov. 23 from 9 a.m. To 4 p.m.
In its press release, Interior Health explained that Novartis products “comprise less than 10 per cent of the vaccine supply.”
For more information on the influenza vaccine and to find a flu clinic near you visit www.interiorhealth.ca/FluClinics.