B.C. changes flu vaccine program

Any B.C. resident aged 65 and older, along with those living in a long-term-care home, will be able to get the seasonal flu vaccine starting Oct. 13, but other residents will have to wait until the new year to get the annual shot.

However, all British Columbians will be able to get the special H1N1 influenza vaccine as soon as it is available in late November, according to changes to the flu immunization program announced by the provincial government on Monday. 

"Delivering the vaccine campaign in this fashion allows us to best protect British Columbians most at risk from seasonal flu, while still ensuring that everyone who needs and wants the H1N1 flu vaccine will be able to receive it as soon as it's available," said provincial health officer Dr. Perry Kendall. 

"By initially targeting the seasonal flu campaign to those at highest risk, it not only removes a number of logistical challenges that come with trying to run two full immunization programs at once, but it is also in the best public health interest of British Columbians," said Kendall in the statement released Monday morning. 

The changes, which are similar to those already adopted by five other provinces, came after preliminary research released last week suggested those who get a regular flu shot have an increased risk of catching swine flu. That study has yet to be independently confirmed.