23 Oct 2009
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.
“It’s important to understand that H1N1 is expected to be the prevailing strain of flu circulating this year and that it can result in serious illness and hospitalization for some people,” said Dr. Charles Gardner, Medical Officer of Health for the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit. “Immunization is the best way people can protect themselves and people around them from H1N1.”
Clinics will run Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from November 3 to November 28 (except November 11). More clinics may be added in December based upon demand.
The clinics are open to all Simcoe Muskoka residents. In addition, the health unit is distributing the vaccine beginning Monday, October 26th to participating health care providers and facilities. Although the H1N1 vaccine is recommended for all those over six months old, those who would benefit most from early vaccination are encouraged to come out first. These groups include:
- People with chronic medical conditions under the age of 65
- All children from six months to five years old
- Household members and care providers of persons at high risk who cannot be immunized (e.g. infants under six months of age) or may not respond to vaccines
- Health care workers involved in pandemic response or who deliver essential services
- Pregnant women who have chronic medical conditions
- Pregnant women who are greater than 20 weeks pregnant even if they do not have any chronic medical conditions. (For more information about pregnant women and the H1N1 vaccine, please go to our website or speak to your primary health care provider.)
A list of the clinic locations and hours is available on the health unit website at www.simcoemuskokahealth.org. For more information about H1N1, call Your Health Connection Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at (705) 721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520.
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