"Get your flu shot, the sooner the better." That's the message from Manitoba's Health, Seniors and Active Living Minister Cameron Friesen as he officially kicked off the province's 2019 flu immunization campaign Thursday afternoon.

At an event in Winnipeg, Friesen stressed the importance for Manitobans to stay healthy as flu season arrives.

"As the minister partly responsible for healthy, active living it means that we're saying to people 'make sure you eat right, make sure you sleep right, make sure you exercise', but coming into fall and winter this is the time of year where we start to think about flu and it's important for people to get their flu shot," said Friesen.

In addition, Friesen is looking to build on the 2018 vaccination rate of 23.6 per cent of Manitobans with health cards. According to the province, a record number of people received flu vaccines last winter with more than 336,000 doses administered.

According to the minister, there were 17 lab-confirmed fatalities related to the flu last year Manitoba. In addition, 228 people were hospitalized during the 2018/19 season.

"We know that there is a tremendous cost in the lives of people and their families when it comes to this important issue," said Friesen, adding the flu also puts a strain on the health system. "It results in backlogs and longer wait times at emergency rooms and urgent care centres if people are reporting there for issues arising from flu, and we know in many cases a vaccine can prevent that visit.

Friesen adds Australia's flu season is a good indicator of what could be coming our way in any given year. This year, he says the Aussie outbreak began a full two months earlier and resulted in more deaths than usual with moderate to high levels of hospitalization as a result.

“I encourage all Manitobans to get the flu vaccine, but especially those at increased risk of serious illness from the flu, their caregivers, and close family and friends,” said Friesen in a province-issued release. “The flu vaccine protects you and helps to protect those around you including infants, people with chronic illnesses such as diabetes or asthma, and those seeking treatment for cancer. It’s about them, too.”

The province says despite a delay in national delivery, Manitoba has received 84 per cent of its total vaccine allotment to date and is expected to receive its full shipment in the next couple weeks.

A special high-dose seasonal flu vaccine is once again available for senior residents of long-term care facilities.

The flu vaccine is available at pharmacies across Manitoba as well as at public health offices, nurses stations, doctors' offices and Access Centres.