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People with diabetes should have access to flu vaccine
Association encourages New Brunswick government to provide free flu shots for all people living with diabetes
FREDERICTON, NB (September 14, 2011) – The Canadian Diabetes Association is encouraging the Department of Health to provide people living with diabetes with the seasonal influenza shot, at no cost. The Department is seeking public input to proposed regulatory changes that would delist the seasonal influenza shot for high-risk populations in New Brunswick. This change means the provincial government may no longer pay for seasonal flu shots for at risk groups, including people with diabetes.
“People who live with diabetes should receive an annual influenza vaccine to reduce the risk of complications associated with influenza epidemics,” says Jake Reid, Regional Director, Canadian Diabetes Association. “According to studies in high-risk populations, which include people with diabetes, the influenza vaccine can reduce hospitalizations by 40%.”
The Public Health Agency of Canada’s web site states that adults and children with chronic diseases significant enough to require regular medical attention or hospital care should ensure that they receive the flu shot.
New Brunswickers can learn more and share individual feedback by visiting the Department of Health website
About the Canadian Diabetes Association
Across the country, the Canadian Diabetes Association is leading the fight against diabetes by helping people with diabetes live healthy lives while we work to find a cure. Our community-based network of supporters help us provide education and services to people living with diabetes, advocate for our cause, break ground towards a cure and translate research into practical applications. Please visit diabetes.ca, join us on facebook.com/CanadianDiabetesAssociation, follow us on Twitter @DiabetesAssoc, or call 1-800-BANTING (226-8464).
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For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact:
Sherry Calder
Manager, Marketing & Communications
Atlantic Area
T: 902-453-3529
E:
1 “Influenza and Pneumococcal Infection”, Canadian Diabetes Association 2008 Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Prevention & Management of Diabetes in Canada. S86. http://www.diabetes.ca/files/cpg2008/cpg-2008.pdf
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