MORE GROUPS FOR H1N1 VACCINATIONS ANNOUNCED

The H1N1 flu vaccination campaign will be expanded this week to include persons of all ages with an underlying health condition and students from Grade 7 to Grade 12.

"As always, this will roll out at different rates by regional health authorities depending on the supply of vaccine and the capacity of Regional Health Authorities (RHA) to expand their clinics," Saskatchewan's Deputy Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Saqib Shahab. "People should check the web site of their local RHA or call their flu information line for details on when and where flu clinics will be held and who is eligible this week to receive the vaccine."

An additional 59,000 doses were received on Monday Nov. 16, bringing the total to 320,400 doses received to date. When this vaccine is used, it will mean 34 per cent of the population will have been vaccinated against H1N1 flu.

"The clinics have been operating smoothly and swiftly," Saskatchewan's Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Moria McKinnon said. "This has enabled us to move forward to add risk groups more quickly."

Provincial clinics are still taking the previously announced high risk categories, including health care workers, pregnant and post-partum women (up to four weeks), and children from six months to Grade Six who have not yet been immunized.

For information on flu clinics in your area, please log onto www.health.gov.sk.ca/flu or call the HealthLine at 1-877-800-0002.

Details on what kind of underlying health conditions qualify for a flu shot are attached.

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For more information, contact:

Karen Hill
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083