Hamilton pandemic H1N1 Influenza A Update - Hamilton adds to H1N1 Vaccination Clinics Priority List

HAMILTON, ON – November 10, 2009 –– The City of Hamilton’s Public Health Services is continuing to respond to the pandemic H1N1 Influenza virus situation.
 
Vaccination Clinics operated by Hamilton Public Health Services will remain open this week. The next shipment of vaccine is scheduled to arrive on Thursday.  As a result of the anticipated vaccine supply, Hamilton will add three groups to the priority list.  “Police Services, Fire Services and people in high risk institutions will now be vaccinated,” said Elizabeth Richardson, Hamilton’s Medical Officer of Health.  “Once a sufficient supply of vaccine is available, other groups will be added to the priority list.”

People in the expanded priority list are:

• people with chronic medical conditions under the age of 65;
• pregnant women;
• healthy children six months to under five years of age;
• health care workers involved in the pandemic response or who deliver essential health services; 
• household contacts and caregivers of individuals who are at high risk and cannot be immunized (such as infants under six months of age or people with weakened immune systems);
• Police Services;
• Fire Services; and
• High risk institutions.

For the latest information on H1N1 flu and clinics, visit Public Health Services website at www.hamilton.ca/H1N1 or call 905-546-H1N1 (4161).

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Media Contact:
Tara Hall
Communications Officer
Public Health Services    
905 546-2424, ext. 2643