27 Nov 2009
by: SMDHU
The flu immunization program in Simcoe and Muskoka now includes seasonal influenza vaccine for all those six months of age and over.
The seasonal vaccine is being made available at all public vaccine clinics currently offering H1N1 vaccine across the region beginning Tuesday Dec. 1, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit announced Friday. Both vaccines will also be available through participating health care practitioners and workplaces.
The health unit had originally planned to roll out its universal seasonal vaccine campaign in January but the recommendation by the Public Health Agency of Canada that both vaccines could safely be given at the same time, the strong public response to the H1N1 flu vaccine and the exceptional support of participating health care practitioners, made an earlier start possible.
“Immunization is our best line of defence against the flu,” said Dr. Charles Gardner, the health unit’s medical officer of health. “Offering the seasonal flu vaccine now will help to ensure the fullest protection against influenza.”
The dominant strain of flu in the community currently is H1N1. However, influenza is unpredictable and other strains of the seasonal flu could arrive during winter and early spring months. Seasonal influenza is a serious disease with a heavy burden of illness, especially for those young and old, pregnant women, and those with chronic medical conditions and weakened immune systems. To date, more than 45,000 individuals have been given the H1N1 vaccine in Simcoe and Muskoka at public clinics. As well, more than 97,000 doses of the vaccine have been distributed to physicians and other vaccine delivery agents.
Details of the flu clinics can be found on the health unit’s website at www.simcoemuskokahealth.org, or by calling Your Health Connection at 721-7520 or 1 877-721-7520 weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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