Some years, the influenza virus kills up to 8,000 Canadians, but it doesnB次元官网网址檛 have to.

The Vancouver Island Health Authority has this week begun rolling out free clinics for those at greatest risk of falling victim to the flu.

This yearB次元官网网址檚 flu vaccine includes two new strains of the virus, as well as the infamous H1N1 strain, which has been in the vaccine since 2009,  the year of the H1N1 pandemic.

Last year 160,000 people on Vancouver Island received the vaccine at public clinics, excluding health care workers.

VIHA anticipates the same amount of uptake this year, though more health-care workers are likely to get vaccinated following the provinceB次元官网网址檚 decision to require all such workers to either get the vaccine, or wear a face mask during flu season.

VIHA medical health officer Dr. Dee Hoyano said the requirement for health-care workers hasnB次元官网网址檛 been an issue thus far.

B次元官网网址淔rom early reports people are showing up to get immunized,B次元官网网址� Dr. Hoyano said. B次元官网网址淲e wonB次元官网网址檛 know for a number of weeks what our overall coverage is going to look like.B次元官网网址�

Free shots are offered to people at highest risk of complications from the flu, including those 65 years of age and over and their caregivers, children and adults with chronic health conditions and their household contacts, health care workers and emergency responders.

Influenza is transmitted person-to-person, even before symptoms are apparent. Regular hand-washing and staying home when ill are two other ways of helping protect yourself against the virus.

VIHA recommends even healthy adults get immunized via family doctor, local pharmacy, walk-in clinic or travel clinic. Visit for more information and to see if you qualify for a free immunization shot.

Click for a list of drop-in flu clinics in the Greater Victoria area.

nnorth@saanichnews.com