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H1N1 vaccinations made available in Alberta Oct. 26
Emily Plihal
for Express
The H1N1 vaccine is now available to residents across Canada, and health officials are urging residents to seriously consider the immunization.
The vaccine was officially made available to Canadian residents on Oct. 6. A public announcement was made by Public Health Agency of Canada late last week stating that the H1N1 vaccine is safe, effective and authorized for use across the country.
“The availability of this vaccine is the boost we have been waiting for to help win the battle against pandemic H1N1 for all Albertans,” said Minister of Health and Wellness Ron Liepert in a press release last week.
Health care officials are expecting H1N1 to be the most prevalent strain of the influenza virus this year. In Canada alone 86 deaths have been linked with the H1N1 strain this year.
Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. André Corriveau reminds individuals that immunization is the easiest way to protect yourself and your family from the H1N1 virus.
“The vaccine has undergone rigorous testing processes and clinical trials around the world and is established to be safe,” Dr. Corriveau said. “Getting immunized is one of the most effective ways of preventing the spread of the virus.”
The H1N1 vaccine became available to most Albertans on Monday, and health officials are urging anyone over six months old to get the immunization. Those who are high-risk groups are encouraged to get their vaccination as soon as possible.
The introduction of the H1N1 vaccine comes in the wake of flu season, which has recently been battled with the common seasonal influenza vaccine.
Anyone who has received their seasonal influenza vaccine is urged to keep any paper work linked to their flu shot.
Individuals who are urged to receive the H1N1 vaccine (according to Alberta Health Services website) include:
– People under 65 years old with chronic health care conditions and their caregivers.
– Pregnant women.
– Children six months to less than five years old and their caregivers.
– People living in remote and isolated settings or communities
– Health care workers involved in pandemic response or the delivery of essential health care services.
– Household contacts and care providers of persons at high risk who cannot be immunized or may not respond to vaccines.
As with any other influenza, individuals are urged to take extra precaution when in the public.
Wash your hands often with soap and warm water or alcohol-based cleanser. Make sure to cover your coughs and sneezes with an arm or tissue. Make sure if you are sick, you stay home to prevent the spread of illness to others.
Some signs of H1N1 in adults include acute onset of new cough or change in existing cough, plus one or more of the following: fever, sore throat, joint pain, muscle aches and severe exhaustion.
Pediatric: acute onset of any of the following symptoms: runny nose, cough, sneezing, with or without fever.
In Falher, the H1N1 vaccination will be available at the Club Alouette on Nov. 3 and 10 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. There was also a clinic held yesterday from the Club Alouette.
In McLennan, the H1N1 shot is being offered on Nov. 2 from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., Nov. 4 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and Nov. 9 from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. all from the McLennan Public Health at the Sacred Heart Community Health Centre.
Eaglesham residents will have an opportunity to get the vaccination on Nov. 12 at the Eaglesham Seniors Centre from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Additional information about high-risk groups that will receive priority immunization, or to find more immunization clinics in our area can be found by visiting www.albertahealthservices.ca or www.healthlinkalberta.ca.
You can also phone Health Link Alberta toll free at 1-866-408-5465.
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