H1N1 clinics announced for Fraser Region
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Updated: November 05, 2009 11:51 AM
Fraser Health will offer public clinics starting Nov. 2 to vaccinate high-risk groups against the H1N1 flu virus.
So far Fraser has distributed most of its vaccine supply through doctor’s offices or walk-in clinics, but some people have had trouble getting it through those sites.
The community clinics – at 14 sites in nine communities – should improve access.
The clinics will be open to:
- People under 65 with chronic health conditions
- Pregnant women in the second half of pregnancy
- Children six months to less than five years old
- Household members and care providers of infants under six months
- Household members and care providers of people with weakened immune systems
Vaccinations aren’t expected to open up to the general public until sufficient supplies of vaccine are available. Provincial officials say production and shipment delays mean they are unlikely to make the vaccine available to all until the fourth week of November.
Health authorities are getting vaccine based on their populations. Fraser, with about one-third of B.C.’s population is being allocated roughly one-third of the supply.
The new clinics are also now being shown on the B.C. Flu Clinic Locator website at http://www.health.gov.bc.ca/flu.
New statistics show the influenza activity in B.C. is now eight times higher than it gets in a typical February, when seasonal flu cases normally peak.
Currently, nearly four per cent of all MSP billings are for flu-like illness – eight times the peak level in a typical year and twice as much as the highest level recorded at any time in the past decade.
Local vaccination clinics
TUESDAY, NOV. 3
Mission – Heritage Park Secondary School, 33700 Prentis Ave., 9 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
THURSDAY, NOV. 5
Chilliwack – Evergreen Hall, 8552 Young Rd.,
9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
SATURDAY, NOV. 7
Abbotsford – Exhibition Park, 32470 Haida Dr.,
8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
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