Quebec's health ministry launches aggressive anti-flu campaign

Dont be surprised by the flu. Get vaccinated.

Thats the theme of this years anti-flu campaign, launched by the Quebec health ministry to encourage Quebecers to get vaccinated against the flu and its complications.

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For the second year in a row, the province is launching an aggressive campaign encouraging people to get the vaccination.

The health ministry says only 25 per cent of young and middle-agedQuebecerswith chronic diseases such as asthma and diabetes get the annual shot.Among health care workers, that figure is just 40 per cent.

Around 300 people die from influenzaannually in Quebec.

The flu shot is free to babies and toddlers, anyone with a chronic illness and their families, as well as anyone aged 60 or older.

The health ministrys campaign starts on Nov 3 and runs until Nov. 23.

It will include television, radio, print and Internet advertisements. The flu vaccine is offered in Quebec from the beginning of November until the end of flu season.

For more information on influenza and vaccination, visit the health ministry's web site.