East Kootenay communities hold first week of H1N1 and seasonal flu clinics; Sparwood clinic announced for Nov. 10

UPDATED - Nov. 5

The Canadian shortage of H1N1 vaccine is resulting in a reduction in the number of Public Health mass clinics that will be held for the week of November 9.

 The H1N1 vaccine shipment expected for next week will be significantly smaller than what has been received in the past two weeks. Given the reduced vaccine availability, Interior Health will only be offering combination H1N1 and seasonal immunization clinics in four communities—Lillooet, Nakusp, Sparwood, and Princeton.

The clinic in Sparwood, the only one scheduled for the East Kootenay next week, goes on Tuesday, Nov. 10 at the Sparwood Recreation Centre from 9:30 a.m. until 4 p.m.

The decision to offer clinics in these communities was based on available vaccine supply, their proximity away from larger clinics in their geographic area, and because they have not had a flu clinic in their community yet. These clinics will be for high-risk individuals only that meet the eligibility criteria for H1N1 vaccine and seasonal vaccine (if applicable.) The details on dates, times and locations for these clinics are still being worked out, and, when available, will be posted on our website at www.interiorhealth.ca. All previous planned seasonal clinics for this week will also be cancelled.

 For the week November 9-14, people in the highest risk category, living in communities where there will not be a mass clinic, should be directed to check with their family physician or walk-in clinics to see if they have some remaining vaccine available.

 If significant vaccine re-supply does recommence by mid-November, then we would once again re-establish Public Health mass immunization clinics across IH.  If vaccine supply is adequate and if indicated by BC’s Provincial Health Officer, these clinics would be available for all the general public to be immunized, not simply high-risk individuals.

A limited supply of unadjuvanted H1N1 vaccine is expected to begin arriving in Interior Health the week of Nov 9. Pregnant women are encouraged to contact  their health care provider to discuss and/or receive the vaccine, as this vaccine stock is being routed to physicians providing prenatal and obstetrical care. The unadjuvanted vaccine will not be provided through public clinics at this time.

The combined H1N1/Seasonal flu clinic in Cranbrook was very popular with people lined up all through the Baker Street Mall, and out into the parking lot. People were well behaved and relatively calm as they waited in line for what could be several hours.

Last week, thousands of people in three communities within the Interior Health region, including Creston, 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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