Peel Flu Shot Clinic To Reopen A Day Early
Posted November 10, 2009 1:07 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
A new shipment of flu shots will allow an immunization clinic in Peel Region to reopen earlier than expected after a shortage forced public health officials there, and in Halton, to close down vaccination centres this week.
The news comes as Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr .Arlene King, warned of increasing flu activity in the province. She also announced that several more groups had been added to the priority list, including ministry staff.
“Monday’s announcement that more vaccine was on its way was music to our ears,” Dr. David Mowat, Medical Officer of Health for the Region of Peel, said. “We want to be back in action as quickly as we possibly can – our residents deserve that from us.”
One clinic in Peel will reopen Wednesday — one day ahead of schedule — at the International Centre from 9:30am to 3pm. The rest of the centres will reopen on Thursday and Friday. For times and locations, click here.
These clinics are still only operating for people in high-priority groups. Peel is the only region in the GTA where children between the ages of six-months and one-year and pregnant women don’t fall into that category. Health officials urge them to visit their doctor for a shot or call (905) 799-7700.
Flu shot shortages also forced health officials in Halton Region to close clinics temporarily.
“We have staff ready and willing to immunize now,” Gary Carr, Halton Regional Chair, said. “At present we are just waiting on more vaccine from the federal government.”
There is one clinic in Oakville offering adjuvant-free vaccine to pregnant women on Tuesday until 8pm at the Halton Regional Centre Auditorium at 1151 Bronte Rd.
In Toronto, as well as in York and Durham regions, clinics have sufficient supplies.
A total of 52 people in Ontario have died from H1N1.
On Tuesday, Dr King said that the province received 395,000 doses of vaccine with adjuvant from the federal government. That is being shipped out to health clinics throughout Ontario. However, the province also received 375,00 doses of vaccine without adjuvant. They do not yet have the approval from Ottawa to begin distributing that medicine.
Dr. King also said that the priority group list has expanded to include first responders such as police officers, paramedics, and corrections staff. Adults aged 65 years or older who live in long-term care homes have also been included.
About 120 ministry staff are also eligible to receive the vaccine.
“Those who manage the pandemic response should be protected so we can do that,” King argued.
While some saw it as an abuse of power, others thought that they were on the front lines and should be protected.
H1N1 Clinics, Contacts & Symptom Information
