During the first few weeks of the mass immunization program, the first groups to be targeted are those people who are the highest risk of experiencing complications if they contract H1N1 influenza. These groups, which have been determined by national experts, include...
Canada is self-sufficient and will have enough vaccine so that all residents who wish to avail of the vaccine will receive it free of charge. Consistent with all other provinces, Newfoundland and Labrador will be receiving the vaccine supply in stages over a period of several weeks, as the vaccine is produced.
During the first few weeks of the mass immunization program, the first groups to be targeted are those people who are the highest risk of experiencing complications if they contract H1N1 influenza. These groups, which have been determined by national experts, include:
- Individuals under 65 with chronic health conditions;
- Individuals living in remote and isolated settings or communities;
- Children six months to five years of age including kindergarten students;
- Health care workers involved in pandemic response or the delivery of essential care services;
- Pregnant women; and
- Household contacts and caregivers of persons at high risk who cannot be immunized or may not respond to vaccines and populations otherwise identified as high risk.
Individuals who fall into one of the above categories are encouraged to get their vaccine early at a clinic scheduled in their area. Children who fit in one of the high risk categories should attend immunization with their parents or guardian.
Please be advised that Western Health is currently providing the H1N1 vaccination to all children in the region from age 6 months to 5 years including kindergarten students and to parents of newborns up to 6 months, by appointment. These appointments have been scheduled and are currently talking place at Public Health Offices throughout the region. Also, Continuing Care Nurses are currently providing the H1N1 vaccine, by appointment, to all non ambulatory clients who are under the age of 65 and are currently receiving nursing services. These residents are being contacted by their Continuing Care Nurse.
In addition, mass immunization clinics for all residents have been scheduled for November 2 and 3 for the communities of Ramea, Francois, Grey River and Grand Bruit. As of October 29, approximately 75% of Health Care workers in the Western Region have received the H1N1 vaccine.
Those who do not fall under one of the high risk categories listed above are requested to wait until later in the vaccination schedule to receive their vaccine.
The Provincial Government, working with the Regional Health Authorities, will monitor the mass immunization program as it rolls out and changes may be made to the existing plan.
The following schedule is subject to change based on a variety of factors including but not limited to weather conditions, availability of vaccine, vaccine uptake, etc. Any changes will be communicated to the public via radio announcements and postings to our website, westernhealth.nl.ca.
1) Mass Immunizations Clinics for those with chronic medical conditions, under the age of 65, such as heart/liver/kidney disease, blood disorders, diabetes, severe obesity, asthma, chronic lung disease, people with compromised immune systems and those with neurological disorders:
| LOCATION |
DATE |
TIME |
Corner Brook
(Pepsi Centre Annex) |
November 1
(originally scheduled for November 5 & 6) |
9:00 am - 8:00 pm
|
Stephenville
(West Coast Training Centre) |
November 1
(originally scheduled for November 5 & 6) |
9:00 am - 8:00 pm |
Deer Lake
(Xavier School Complex) |
November 4 |
12:00 pm - 8:00 pm
|
Pollards Point
(Public Health Clinic) |
November 4 |
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
|
Rocky Harbour
(Public Health Clinic) |
November 4 |
9:00 am - 5:00 pm |
Port Saunders
(Public Health Clinic) |
November 4 |
9:00 am - 5:00 pm |
Port aux Basques
(St. James Elementary) |
November 4 |
12:00 pm - 8:00 pm |
Burgeo
(Public Health Clinic) |
November 4 |
9:00 am - 5:00 pm |
2) Vaccination of all school age children will begin the week of November 9 and will take place in a school setting. A detailed schedule will be announced the week of November 2, 2009.
3) Mass Immunization Clinics for the general population will start on the week of November 16. Mass Immunization Clinics will take place in the following communities.
- Port Saunders
- Rocky Harbour
- Deer Lake
- Pollards Point
- Woody Point
- Corner Brook
- Stephenville
- Burgeo
- Port aux Basques
- LaPoile
A detailed schedule will follow.
Please Note: As part of the mass immunization registration process, persons are required to have their MCP Card with them at the time of registration. People are asked to wear short sleeves or easy roll up sleeves.
Western Health is encouraging all residents to take advantage of the opportunity to get the H1N1 vaccine. Immunization is the best protection. Please be advised that all residents will have access to the vaccine. Human Resources Labour and Employment (HRLE) advises all income support clients who requires assistance with transportation to mass immunization clinics to contact their local HRLE Office for assessment. For those residents who are unable to leave their home due to medical reasons but are not receiving continuing care nursing services please call 1-877-632-H1N1 (4161). If people have questions or concerns please call 1-877-632-H1N1 (4161).
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For more information,
Please contact:
Lisa Hoddinott
V.P. Quality Management and Research
Western Health (709) 637-5000, Ext. 5635
