November 12, 2009
HAMILTON – The City of Hamilton’s Public Health Services is continuing to respond to the pandemic H1N1 Influenza virus situation.
With sufficient supply of vaccine and a decrease in clinic attendance by current priority groups, Hamilton Public Health Services is expanding its priority list. “Children and youth aged 5 to 18 years as well as people over 65 with chronic medical conditions have been added to the priority list,” said Dr. Elizabeth Richardson, Hamilton’s Medical Officer of Health. “To accommodate the expanded priority groups, additional clinic times and locations have been scheduled.”
Clinic sites have been selected across the city to improve access for Hamilton residents. The clinic schedule for the fourth week appears below. Residents should be prepared to spend at least 30 minutes inside the clinic. There may be line-ups so people are encouraged to prepare for the wait. If people are unable to stand in line because of a medical issue, they are asked to speak with a staff member at the clinic when they arrive.
People in the priority groups can also continue to be vaccinated at doctors’ offices.
People in the expanded priority list are:
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people with chronic medical conditions (includes those over 65);
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pregnant women;
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healthy children/youth six months to under 19 years of age;
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health care workers involved in the pandemic response or who deliver essential health services;
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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);
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people of First Nations origin;
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police services;
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fire services; and
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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 please note that statistical information relating to H1N1 will be updated on the PHS website for you every Friday morning.
The address is: www.hamilton.ca/H1N1 ***
Media Contact:
Tara Hall
Communications Officer
Public Health Services
905 546-2424, ext. 2643