/R E P E A T-- Media Advisory - Marking National Seniors Day with a Guinness World Record Attempt/

TORONTO, Sept. 26, 2018 /CNW/ - Influenza is often seen as just a bad cold, requiring nothing more than a box of tissues and a hot drink before you're on the road to recovery. Despite this misperception, influenza is the seventh leading cause of death in Canada amongst vaccine-preventable diseases,¹ and is estimated to be responsible for an average of 12,200 hospitalizations and 3,500 deaths annually.² The majority of these are in seniors.³

This flu season, Sanofi Pasteur invites you to help build awareness about the burden of influenza and its impact on older Canadians on National Seniors Day.

What: Join us to witness a Guinness World Record attempt and the unveiling of a photo gallery exhibition that brings to life a father and son's experience with the flu. You'll hear from a variety of speakers including Hon. Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, and Canada's largest advocacy association for older Canadians, CARP.

Hon. Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, will be available for photographs for a short period during the event. Spokespeople will also be available for interview, including:

• Umberto Leone of Toronto, who can share his story of how the flu impacted his life
• Laura Tamblyn Watts, National Director of Law, Policy and Research at Canadian Association of Retired Person (CARP), who can share insights into the social and economic implications of the flu, as well as the domino effect on families, communities and the health system
• By phone, Dr. William Dalziel, Professor of Geriatric Medicine, University of Ottawa

When: Monday, October 1, 2018, from 12:00 p.m. ? 1:30 p.m. Light refreshments will be provided

Where: Richmond-Adelaide Centre, 130 Adelaide St. West, Toronto

We would be delighted to have you in attendance and hope to see you there!

SOURCE Sanofi Pasteur