Getting your flu shot will be easier this year in Manitoba.

The Manitoba government has announced a new flu campaign, offering more locations and pharmacies where you can get immunized, along with at doctors' offices.

Only 20 to 25 per cent of Manitobans get their flu shot each year. Dr. Michael Routledge, the chief provincial public health officer, hopes now all groups at risk of infection will get vaccinated.

"We used to really focus on high risk and we still do, but now with this universal program we're trying to really make it available for everybody,” he said.

More than 530 pharmacists are certified to administer the vaccine in Manitoba. It will be available at 240 pharmacies across the province. There are five new ACCESS centres and four QuickCare clinics that will be open for service. Details on locations are available online.

“The flu can spread easily from one person to another through coughing, sneezing, or by touching objects contaminated with the flu virus,” said Dr. Michael Routledge, chief provincial public health officer.

The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs is also on board with this year's campaign. "The First Nations population is at a higher risk due to many contributing factors such as overcrowding and lack of indoor plumbing,” said Grand Chief Derek Nepinak.

"So for us, it's very important that our children, our elder and many of our people that are chronically ill with diabetes or any other disease have access to a flu vaccine," added Dennis Whitebird, political liaison, with the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs.

Anyone wishing to be immunized by their pharmacist should call in advance to make an appointment.

Pharmacists can administer vaccines to patients seven years of age and older.

The flu vaccine is free of charge to all Manitobans older than six months. Health Minister Erin Selby said the flu vaccine protects more than just you.

"I hear from people from time to time who say, ‘I don't get the flu shot because I don't get the flu, but if you look behind me, it's not just you we're worried about. It's also the people you're going to come into contact with.”

Groups most at risk of the flu are:

  • Seniors age 65 and older
  • Residents of long-term care and personal care facilities
  • Health care workers and first responders
  • Children under five
  • Aboriginal people
  • People with chronic illness
  • Overweight and obese people
  • Pregnant women

"This year, Manitoba children and adolescents two to 17 years of age are eligible to receive publicly funded live attenuated influenza vaccine (FluMist), provided they do not have any contraindications," said the province. They add the nasal spray is as effective as the injection.

More information on the flu is available on the province's website.