Flu clinics see steady crowds
One week after the provincial government opened up H1N1 vaccination eligibility to anyone six months or older, immunization clinics across the Okanagan have continued to see steady crowds.
As of Tuesday, Interior Health estimates that about 9,868 Pentictonites and over 88,000 people in the region had received H1N1 vaccine, with approximately another 100,000 getting vaccinated by their doctors.
Waits at a clinic held at the Penticton Alliance Church on Tuesday night reached up to 75 minutes long as the un-immunized patiently filed around the outside of the church before heading into, down and around the lobby, up a hallway and into a gymnasium where they were assessed, undressed (at arm level) and asked to rest, in a waiting area, for about 10 maybe 15 minutes, after receiving their immunization, in case they have a reaction.
It was about an hour-and-a-half process Tuesday night, but most who were immunized were grateful for the opportunity to receive a vaccine for a virus that in B.C. has been determined responsible for 34 deaths, 860 hospitalizations and countless weeks lost to the illness.
“It is extremely important that everyone receives their H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccinations,” said Dr. Andrew Larder, a senior medical health officer with Interior Health.
“We cannot rule out the possibility that there will be another wave of influenza between now and the end of April. We might see a resurgence of H1N1 infections, or we may see increasing circulation of the regular seasonal strains of influenza,” explained the doctor.
“The best way to minimize a third wave of H1N1 flu virus, or prevent it altogether, is for as many people as possible to be vaccinated.”
Since Nov. 2, the seasonal influenza vaccine has also been available at clinics to anyone eligible, including those over 65 years or under 23 months; pregnant women who will be in their third trimester during flu season; children and adults with chronic health conditions; and children and adolescents with conditions treated with acetylsalicylic acid, plus any caregivers or household contacts of the afore mentioned.
People who work with live poultry or are set to volunteer for the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games are also eligible.
Pregnant women can get unadjuvanted H1N1 vaccine at either the public immunization clinics or from physicians that provide prenatal and obstetrical care. It is believed that adjuvants enhances the body’s immune response to the vaccine allowing for smaller doses.
Health authorities are reminding those who want to bring children that are not their own to the immunization clinics that they need to have a signed letter of consent from a parent, plus the child’s care card and birthdate.
Next week, combined H1N1 and/or seasonal flu immunization clinics in the area will be held:
• in Naramata at the Naramata Centre Gym (3375 3rd St.) Monday from 12 to 5 p.m.;
• in Osoyoos at the Osoyoos Seniors Centre (17 Park Pl.) on Tuesday from 3 to 8 p.m.;
• in Summerland at St. John Lutheran Church (15244 North Victoria Rd.) on Wednesday from 3 to 8 p.m.;
• in Peachland at the Peachland Community Hall (4450 6th St.) on Thursday from 1 to 7 p.m.;
• in Penticton at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre (273 Power St.) next Thursday, and Friday from 2 to 8 p.m.; and
• in Oliver at the Oliver Community Centre Hall (36003 - 79th St.) on Dec 5 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Interior Health notes that all of the clinic times, dates and locations are subject to change. For more information on vaccination clinics or H1N1 visit www.interiorhealth.ca.
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