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October 23, 2009
VANCOUVER ISLAND – H1N1 influenza vaccine clinics for high-risk groups get underway on Vancouver Island next week, with the first clinic scheduled for October 26.
Members of the public can get the H1N1 vaccine through community-based clinics, most physician offices and certain pharmacies. Information about community clinics is available on line at www.viha.ca/h1n1; or www.health.gov.bc.ca/flu or by dialing HealthLink BC at 811.
“During the first week of what will be the largest mass immunization campaign in VIHA’s history, the initial supply vaccine will only be available to high-risk groups,” said Dr. Richard Stanwick, VIHA’s Chief Medical Health Officer. “In due course, there will be enough vaccine for every VIHA resident who wants the H1N1 shot, and medical health officers are encouraging everyone to get it. We are asking the patience of the general population that they wait 2-3 weeks so that individuals at highest risk of complications can get their vaccination first.”
High risk groups eligible for the vaccine next week are listed online at www.viha.ca/h1n1/public/vaccine.htm
By mid-November, the vaccine should be available to the general population. VIHA has scheduled approximately 285 community clinics throughout our service area over an 8-week period.
In addition, VIHA has just released the 15- page H1N1 pandemic preparedness booklet “Be Prepared Be Well: How to care for yourself and the people you care about.” The booklet provides general information about H1N1, how individuals and families and prevent and prepare for H1N1 and seek medical care. The booklet is available at www.viha.ca/NR/rdonlyres/62E9CAEF-87BC-444A-9126-8A21478D56C2/0/be_prepared_be_well_final_22oct09.pdf
For more information on pandemic influenza preparedness visit VIHA’s website at www.viha.ca/h1n1.
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Media Contact:
Shannon Marshall
Vancouver Island Health Authority
250-370-8270
Pandemic Influenza: Preparedness is everyone’s responsibility http://www.fightflu.ca |
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