Ontario expands H1N1 immunization program

NEWS RELEASE

GOVERNMENT OF ONTARIO

**************************** Ontario to offer H1N1 vaccine to children 13 and under and seniors with underlying health conditions

Latest expansion of immunization program begins November 16

Beginning the week of November 16, Ontario will expand its H1N1 immunization program to children 13 years old and under and adults 65 years and older with underlying health conditions.

Ontario will have another 470,000 doses of adjuvanted vaccine for distribution the week of November 16 and may receive an additional 272,500 doses of adjuvanted vaccine later in the week.

Along with 375,000 doses of unadjuvanted vaccine received this week, this additional supply of vaccine allows for the expansion of the province's H1N1 immunization program.

Children have high rates of H1N1 illness.  

A proportion of all those who become ill, even those without underlying conditions, will suffer some severe complications.

Vaccination of this group may reduce transmission to the broader population if high enough coverage rates are achieved.

Adults 65 years and older seem to have more protection against getting H1N1 flu than the general public but those with underlying health conditions are more vulnerable to serious complications and death if they do contract the disease.

Children 13 years old and under will be offered the vaccine through public health units and in many offices of family health care providers. 

Seniors with underlying health conditions should contact their family health care provider to access the vaccine.

Quotes

"We will continue to expand our H1N1 immunization program as we receive more vaccine. By Christmas, we should have enough vaccine for everyone who needs and wants it." - Dr. Arlene King, Ontario's chief medical officer of health

Quick facts

- To date, Ontario has received 2,813,500 doses of adjuvanted vaccine, including 395,000 doses that were received this week.

- Health units have received this week's shipment of adjuvanted vaccine.

- To date, Ontario has received 461,800 doses of unadjuvanted vaccine, including 375,000 doses from GlaxoSmithKline that were received this week.

- The H1N1 flu vaccine is not recommended for infants under six months of age.

Learn more

Expanded H1N1 immunization groups

Find out more about H1N1 flu in Ontario

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