Influenza immunization clinic dates set

As the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit prepares to roll out vaccination clinics for H1N1 next week, residents are reminded that participating health care providers are also an option for the shot.

“While the health unit will be providing mass immunization clinics for those who want and need it, we have also distributed the bulk of our first vaccine allotment to participating family physicians who are currently offering it to their patients,” said the health unit’s medical officer of health, Charles Gardner. “We encourage those who would benefit the most from early vaccination to get their shot first, either through their health care provider or at one of our clinics.”

Locally, the Stroud Community Centre will host clinics Nov. 6, 20 and 27, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The groups that would benefit the most from early vaccination include people with chronic medical conditions under the age of 65, all children from six months to five years old, household members and care providers of persons at high risk who cannot be immunized or may fail to respond to vaccines, or health care workers involved in pandemic response or who deliver essential services.

People living in remote communities, pregnant women who have chronic medical conditions or are greater than 20 weeks pregnant may also benefit greatly from the vaccine.

“H1N1 is the predominant strain this season, which makes it important that everyone gets their flu shot when it’s available. Family physicians are best positioned to provide those patients who would benefit most with the vaccine at this point while the supply of vaccine is limited," said Gardner.

"The health unit will be commencing community vaccination clinics on Nov. 3, at several locations throughout Simcoe Muskoka."

For a list of clinic locations and hours, visit www.simcoemuskokahealth. org. For more information about H1N1, call Your Health Connection Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at 721- 7520 or 1-877-721-7520.