First week of combined H1N1 and Seasonal Flu Clinics successful

Combined H1N1 and seasonal flu clinics started this week in several East Kootenay communities. The upcoming clinics for the East Kootenays are: Cranbrook on Wednesday, Nov. 4 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Baker Street Mall; Golden, also on Wednesday, Nov. 4 , from 9:30am to 4 p.m. at the Golden Senior's Centre; Kimberley goes Thursday, Nov. 5 from 12 p.m. until 6 p.m. at the Centennial Centre; and Invermere's clinic is on Friday, Nov. 6 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Thousands of people in three communities within the Interior Health region, including Creston, already rolled up their sleeves last week for the first combined H1N1 and seasonal flu clinics.

"Success is the best word to describe the first day," said Dr. Andrew Larter, senior medical officer with Interior Health. "Despite the snowy road conditions in Creston and 100 Mile House, and the longer lines in Vernon, we were able to get a substantial start to the vaccination program with close to 40,000 doses delivered."

5,000 doses of the vaccination were delivered at the mass clinics in the three communities. In addition, four times that amount was given to 360 physician's offices in the region for their high risk patients. An additional 9,500 doses were available for First Nations communities within the region.

The public demand was highest at the mass clinics, with wait times of up to two hours or more at the peak of the day. To accommodate the large numbers, both Vernon clinics remained open an extra three hours until 7:00 p.m. Seven Public Health Nurses came from Kelowna to help, in addition to the 20 nurses already working at the clinics.

“Last Thursday, we were able to extend the Vernon clinic hours to make sure everyone in line received their vaccination and no one who was eligible was turned away. However, for 100 Mile House, they were not able to bring in extra staff, so some people were asked to return to a future clinic.” says Dr. Larder. “The public has been tremendously polite and respectful, especially when you consider the wait times. We are all very appreciative of the public’s support. We’d also like to thank our staff and the dozens of volunteers who made it work. It’s pretty exciting to realize we are all participating in the largest mass immunization in the history of our nation.”

Clinics get underway across the region this week with nearly 50 clinics being held throughout Interior Health. These clinics are only for those at highest risk for both H1N1 and /or the seasonal flu.

In order to accommodate the new combination clinics, some previously planned clinics may have changed start or finish times or locations and people are advised to check the latest clinic times posted on the website at www.interiorhealth.ca or by calling HealthLink BC at 8-1-1.

Interior health is urging people to attend the clinics in their community area only, as vaccine amount has been allotted to communities based on their populations and expected demand.

Parents are encouraged to bring along some snacks or toys for little ones to help pass the time waiting in line.  

Eligible Groups:

In keeping with Provincial recommendations, people are reminded that the following priority groups will receive their H1N1 vaccinations first: 

·          Pregnant women in the second half of pregnancy

·          Persons less than 65 years with chronic conditions

·          Children 6 months to 59 months of age (less than 5 years old)

·          Household contacts and care providers of infants from birth to 6 months of age

·          Household contacts and care providers of persons who are immunocompromised

·          Persons residing in remote communities, including all Aboriginal populations

·          Healthcare workers involved in responding to pandemic influenza.

 The seasonal flu shot is being provided at the same clinics to those 65 years and older and those at risk of health complications from the flu.

 

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