The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit is encouraging residents to get vaccinated against H1N1 and seasonal influenza at one of its final public health clinics this week, which end as of Saturday December 12. 

The flu immunization program in Simcoe and Muskoka now includes seasonal influenza vaccine for all those six months of age and over. 

The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit is encouraging residents to get vaccinated against H1N1 through participating health care providers, or at public health clinics, which have been expanded into December and include new locations.  

SIMCOE MUSKOKA – The health unit will be making the H1N1 vaccine available to anyone over the age of six months, beginning tomorrow, November 17. 

Children from 6 months up to and including 18 years can get the H1N1 vaccine now. 

 

SIMCOE MUSKOKA – Public H1N1 flu clinics continue to offer vaccine exclusively to the six high risk groups, the health unit says. “In our first two days of clinics we were able to vaccinate more than 7,000 people in those groups, and we are pleased the public has responded so positively,” says Medical Officer of Health Dr. Charles Gardner. However, the high risk population makes up about 25 per cent of the local population and it will take time to reach them all. In addition, recent shortages in supply also mean the vaccine must be provided solely to those at highest risk.  

H1N1 vaccine clinics for only high-risk residents begin tomorrow (Nov. 3) and will run five days a week in the Muskoka area serviced by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit. Clinic locations will rotate between Gravenhurst and Huntsville; as well, more clinics have been added in Bracebridge. 

The H1N1 flu shot clinics open tomorrow (Tues. Nov 3) at six locations across the area and have been increased to operate five days a week (in most weeks) to immunize people who are high risk first, followed later in the month by everyone who wants to protect themselves with the vaccine. 

Cases of the flu have begun to increase across Simcoe and Muskoka. It has become widespread in much of the province. 

As the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit prepares to roll out vaccination clinics for H1N1 next week, residents are reminded that participating health care providers are also an option for those wanting the vaccination. 

Youth from across Simcoe County recently completed an eight-week Photovoice project hosted by THINK CLEAR! and facilitated by public health nurses from the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit. 

Newly passed legislation that bans the addition of fruit and other child-friendly flavors in cigarettes, cigarillos and blunt wraps starting next year can be attributed in part to a local group of youth who began advocating for the law more than two years ago. 

Free vaccination clinics for H1N1 begin in six locations four days a week across Simcoe Muskoka beginning November 3 for those residents who need and want protection against the H1N1 flu virus. 

Twelve employers in the region will be recognized for their efforts at the annual Healthy Workplace Recognition Awards event on Thursday, Nov. 5. 

A lesson most young students have already learned is now being shared with parents and the community with new signs going up outside elementary schools this fall.  

The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit is now distributing seasonal flu vaccine to doctors’ offices and long-term care homes for the first phase of this year’s immunization campaign. 

Workplaces and organizations looking for resources on handwashing and preventing H1N1 flu virus can find a variety of materials available for order and download on the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit website. 

Local veterinarians are offering their annual low-cost rabies vaccine clinics for dogs and cats over 3 months old. 

Local veterinarians are offering their annual low-cost rabies vaccine clinics for dogs and cats over 3 months old.