Some physicians in the Northern Health region may begin distributing H1N1 vaccine this week, but the major rollout is expected next week.

That’s the latest update from chief medical health officer Dr. David Bowering, during a conference call with regional media Monday afternoon.

“There are a lot of twigs and branches on our vaccine tree,” Bowering said, explaining the first round of vaccinations would be for the high-risk groups: women in the second half of pregnancy; people under 65 with chronic health conditions; and residents of remote communities with little access to medical services.

“We are using the same delivery system as with our regular seasonal flu vaccine. Having to work with small-airline schedules, bus schedules and setting up clinic locations and times is a complicated procedure.”

While some clinics in the Lower Mainland have already started distributing the vaccine, Bowering says Northern Health, while appearing to be lagging behind, may actually be ahead of schedule with next week’s planned major rollout.

“We have lagged behind the rest of the province in terms of the outbreak of the flu this fall, so we are starting vaccinations as early as other areas in relation to the timing of the outbreak.”

He said the scattered population of the communities in Northern Health, while making the delivery of the vaccine more difficult, may also be helping to slow the progress of the virus.

“Population density plays a major role in allowing the flu to disperse, so our small population may be slowing the disease.”

He anticipates schedules for vaccination clinics for the first high-risk group will be posted on the Northern Health website (www.northernhealth.ca) by the middle of this week.

“I can’t say with certainty,” Bowering said, “but I think after the first week, we may be inviting the general public to come in and get their vaccinations.”

H1N1 influenza is caused by a new strain of influenza virus.

Like other strains of influenza virus, H1N1 spreads from person to person through coughing, sneezing, and sometimes through touching objects contaminated with the virus.

Seasonal flu viruses change from year to year, but they are closely related to each other. H1N1 is a new flu virus and is very different from seasonal flu viruses.

Signs of H1N1 can include: fatigue, fever, sore throat, muscle aches, chills, coughing, and sneezing. Some people also have diarrhea and vomiting.

People with flu-like symptoms are advised to stay home from work and school and avoid contact with others so the virus does not spread and stay at home until free from fever for at least 24 hours after their last dose of fever-reducing medication.