Friday, November 13, 2009
New Developments in H1N1 Vaccine Eligibility
The Public Health Agency of Canada and the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care have changed the recommendations for the second dose of vaccine needed for some children.
- All children between 6 months of age and under 3 years of age and children between 3 and 9 years of age with chronic health conditions should receive two half-doses of adjuvanted H1N1 flu vaccine, given at least 21 days apart. Guidance for children in this age group is unchanged. Please note that there is no rush for these children to receive their second dose as almost all are protected by the first dose. The second dose is to lengthen protection.
- Healthy children between 3 and 9 years of age should only receive a single half-dose of the H1N1 vaccine, and do not need to return for a second dose for now.
Pregnant women should receive one dose of the unadjuvanted vaccine. Pregnant women can contact the Health Unit for more information about how to receive this vaccine.
H1N1 Clinics are continuing next week with an expanded priority list. Children 5-13 years of age and adults 65 years of age and over with chronic conditions have now been added to the list of those eligible for H1N1 vaccine. Many primary health care providers received vaccine and are continuing to immunize their own patients. Residents are encouraged to contact their primary health care provider first and if they cannot be immunized there, attend one of the Health Unit clinics.
The number of new cases of H1N1 illness is declining in our communities. However, the virus is still circulating widely. If you have avoided it so far, don’t let your guard down now. It is important to note that the number of hospitalizations and even deaths could continue to rise as some individuals may experience serious complications from their illness.
Vaccination is only one of the ways to prevent the spread of influenza. The others are: Clean your hands, Cough or sneeze in your sleeve, Disinfect hard surfaces and Stay home when ill.
The Health Unit website, www.healthunit.org is updated often with information about H1N1 prevention, symptoms and where to get help as well as vaccination clinics in the area.
Contact: Susan Healey, BA, Communications Co-ordinator, 613-345-5685 or 613-802-0550
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