Supply of H1N1 Flu Shots Will Match Demand

By 250 News

Prince George, B.C.-  As seasonal flu shot clinics get underway, Chief Medical Health Officer for Northern Health, Dr. David Bowering  says it will be a while yet, before the  vaccine for  H1N1 will be available. 

“B.C. will  have about  half a million doses by the end of October which should be enough for the high priority groups we’ve been talking about,  but there will be a bit of a lag time between the distribution and  getting it going.   In terms of having enough for 70% of Canadians, which is what has been ordered, it may take weeks after the initial allotments before we have all of that on hand, so there will be a bit of a lag time, but at the end of the day there will be enough vaccine for everyone, I am absolutely confident of that.”

Flu shots have been rolled out in three phases this year, the first round, which is underway now,  is being offered to those over 65 and those in care homes.  This is the seasonal flu shot. In November, the H1N1  vaccine willbe offered,  then, early in the new year,  the seasonal flu shot will be offered again, but this time to anyone who wants it.

Since April, there have been 62 confirmed cases of H1N1 in Northern Health, 22.6%of the cases were in the Burns Lake region.

Of that number of overall confirmed cases in Northern Health,  7 have been classed as severe,  with 5 requiring hospitalization.  There have been no deaths. 

Statistical information released on the weekend indicate a higher percentage of those who were confirmed to have H1N1, were Aboriginal. Dr. Bowering says this is something they have been working on closely with First Nations-Inuit Health and with First Nations Leadership Councils “Particularly in remote regions to make sure anti-viral medication is positioned in those communities.  We’re going to be working hard when we do get vaccine to make sure those communities are at the front of the line for immunization.” Dr. Bowering says there was an early outbreak in the Lake Babine Nation area in March, but none of the cases was severe but Northern Health is very aware of the stats which indicate a higher number of confirmed cases among Aboriginal populations “We are certainly watching for it and hopefully we will be able to respond quickly if it happens.”

Dr, Bowering says one of the  problems with H1N1 is that  for many people it  is a mild  flu, which prevents them from  thinking they  should stay  home  "When they have any symptoms, cough, fever, muscle aches and head aches,  if they stay at home until they are completely better, that will slow the spread. All of us  are  hoping  that will slow the spread until we get our vaccine in and can get as many people immunized as possible and that will really blunt  the overall effect."

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