Aboriginal People To Get Flu Vaccine In Two Weeks

Aboriginal People To Get Flu Vaccine In Two Weeks

Wednesday, October 21, 2009 at 14:08

 

 

First Nations and Metis people in Saskatchewan could receive the H1N1 vaccine by the first week in November.

 

According to the province’s immunization plans released yesterday, First Nations and Metis residents — as well as those living in isolated communities — will receive the vaccine in the second stage of the rollout.

 

Chief medical health officer Dr. Moira McKinnon says there are many delivery methods in place for people in remote communities to get the vaccine.

 

Northern medical health officer Dr. James Irvine says medical staff may travel to very small isolated communities to perform the vaccinations, or arrangements may be made to transport the residents to a larger centre.

 

While specific times and dates still have to be finalized, Irvine says vaccinations against the H1N1 flu virus will begin in northern Saskatchewan the week of November 2nd.

 

He says the province’s north will get the vaccine quicker than southern Saskatchewan due to the fact it is home to so many of the priority groups laid out by Health Canada.

 

Irvine adds all northern residents will be able to line up for the shot at the same time.

 

The province’s plans say Saskatchewan health care workers will receive the vaccine first — as they are at a greater risk of being affected at work.

 

McKinnon adds it is safe for people to receive both the H1N1 vaccine and the seasonal flu vaccine.