This year's flu vaccine will be provided free of charge to any Nova Scotian who wants it but it's particularly important that people in high-risks groups get vaccinated.

People who have a higher risk of getting severely ill or even dying from the flu include:

• People over 65 years of age
• People of any age who are residents of long-term and other chronic care facilities
• Adults and children with chronic health conditions
• Children and adolescents (age 6 months to 18 years) with conditions treated for long periods with acetylsalicylic acid (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis patients)
• Adults and children with any condition that can compromise respiratory function or that can increase the risk of aspiration
• Children between six months and five years of age
• Pregnant women
• People who live with or care for someone in one of the above groups
• Health care workers and health care worker students
• First responders such are firefighters and police
• First Nations communities
• People living in a home where a newborn is expected during the regular influenza season (usually November to April)

Doctors Nova Scotia, reminds you that immunization is the most effective way to protect yourself, and your community, from the flu.