NEWS RELEASE
Public Health Mass Clinics:
The Canadian shortage of H1N1 vaccine is resulting in a reduction in the number of Public Health mass clinics that will be held for the week of November 9th.
The H1N1 vaccine shipment expected for next week will be significantly smaller than what has been received in the past two weeks. Given the reduced vaccine availability, Interior Health will only be offering combination H1N1 and seasonal immunization clinics in four communities—Lillooet, Nakusp, Sparwood, and Princeton.
The decision to offer clinics in these communities was based on available vaccine supply, their proximity away from larger clinics in their geographic area, and because they have not had a flu clinic in their community yet. These clinics will be for high-risk individuals only that meet the eligibility criteria for H1N1 vaccine and seasonal vaccine (if applicable.) The details on dates, times and locations for these clinics are still being worked out, and, when available, will be posted on our website at www.interiorhealth.ca. All previous planned seasonal clinics for this week will also be cancelled.
For the week November 9-14, people in the highest risk category, living in communities where there will not be a mass clinic, should be directed to check with their family physician or walk-in clinics to see if they have some remaining vaccine available.
If significant vaccine re-supply does recommence by mid-November, then we would once again re-establish Public Health mass immunization clinics across IH. If vaccine supply is adequate and if indicated by BC’s Provincial Health Officer, these clinics would be available for all the general public to be immunized, not simply high-risk individuals.
Pregnant Women:
A limited supply of unadjuvanted H1N1 vaccine is expected to begin arriving in Interior Health the week of Nov 9th. Pregnant women are encouraged to contact their health care provider to discuss and/or receive the vaccine, as this vaccine stock is being routed to physicians providing prenatal and obstetrical care. The unadjuvanted vaccine will not be provided through public clinics at this time.
Inquiries:
Lannea Parfitt
Public Health Communications
(250) 870-5898
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