Thursday, October 01, 2009
Flu Shots 2009
The Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care has announced the recommended
rollout and sequencing strategy for this year’s flu shots.
In October, seasonal flu shots will be offered to persons 65 and over and residents of
Long Term Care and retirement homes in Renfrew County and District. The usual
vaccine delivery agents will be offering this vaccine (for example, physicians).
In November, the pH1N1 vaccine is expected to be available. National sequencing of
target groups will be applied. Target groups include:
- those under 65 with chronic medical conditions that put them at risk
- pregnant women
- healthy children 6 months to 5 years old
- people living in isolated or remote areas
- healthcare workers involved in response
- caregivers of people at home at high risk who can’t be given the vaccine for medical reasons
Others who would benefit from immunization include:
- adults 65 years of age and over
- healthy children age 5 to 18 years
- First responders
- Swine and poultry workers
- Healthy adults between 19 and 64 years of age
Circulating Flu Strains
“Based on experience in the southern hemisphere where the pH1N1 flu virus has been
dominant, we are anticipating a possible re-emergence of the pH1N1 virus in Canada
this fall, possibly followed by a circulation of seasonal influenza strains later in the
season” said Dr. Michael Corriveau, Medical Officer of Health. “Broad flu vaccination in
Ontario will be focused on the pH1N1 vaccine.”
Influenza vaccine clinics offered by Renfrew County and District Health Unit will be
publicized and posted on the Health Unit website at www.rcdhu.com. For more
information contact the Health Info Line at 613-735-8666 or 1-800-267-1097, Ext. 666.
For further information contact:
Pat Ripmeester RN, BScN
Coordinator, 613-735-8651 ext. 515
Dr. Michael Corriveau, B.Sc., M.D., M.H.Sc.
Medical Officer of Health
613-735-8651 ext. 503
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