Press Release
Ontario has shipped 700,000 doses of H1N1 ’flu vaccine to the province’s public health units since Oct. 21 in order to allow immunization clinics to begin next week.
Beginning this week, H1N1 ’flu vaccine will be offered to all Ontarians that need and want it, starting with:
•people under age 65 with chronic conditions;
•pregnant women;
•healthy children from six months to under five years of age;
•people living in remote or isolated communities;
•health-care workers; and
•household contacts and care providers of persons at high risk who cannot be immunized or may not respond to vaccines.
All pregnant women with pre-existing health conditions, and healthy pregnant women in the second half of their pregnancy (more than 20 weeks), should speak to their health care provider about receiving the adjuvanted vaccine.
Healthy pregnant women in the first half of their pregnancy are at less risk of complications from the ’flu, and should wait to receive the unadjuvanted vaccine when it is available.
Ontario has developed a fact sheet for pregnant women that will be available on the ministry’s website.
Health Canada approved the use of the H1N1 ’flu vaccine last Wednesday.
In related news, a province-wide advertising campaign will be launched next week to remind people of the importance of getting the H1N1 ’flu vaccine.
The campaign features Dr. Arlene King, Ontario’s chief medical officer, and includes print, radio, and online ads.
“I strongly encourage target groups to look out for information on where to get their H1N1’ flu shot,” said Dr. King.
“Getting the H1N1 ’flu shot is the best way to stay healthy this fall and winter, and prevent spread to your family and community,” she stressed.
The province is expecting its second shipment of 700,000 doses of adjuvanted H1N1 vaccine to arrive in the government pharmacy early next week.
