In British Columbia, the influenza vaccine or flu shot is provided free to the following groups of people at high risk of serious illness from influenza, such as:
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Children 6 months to less than five years of age;
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Pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy during the influenza season;
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Seniors 65 years and older;
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Residents of any age living in residential care, assisted living or other group facilities
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Indigenous people;
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Children and teenagers required to take Aspirin® or ASA for long periods of time due to a medical condition;
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Children and adults with certain medical conditions, including:
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Heart or lung disorders that require regular medical care, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or cystic fibrosis;
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Kidney disease, chronic liver disease such as hepatitis, diabetes, cancer, anemia or weakened immune system;
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Those with health conditions causing difficulty breathing, swallowing or a risk of choking on food or fluids, such as people with severe brain damage, spinal cord injury, seizures or neuromuscular disorders; and
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Those who are very obese.