Flu Pandemic Raises Concerns In Northern Region

Flu Pandemic Raises Concerns In Northern Region

Friday, June 12, 2009 at 13:58

Swine flu surveillance is being beefed up in northern Saskatchewan communities.

Dr. Moira McKinnon, the province’s chief medical health officer, says Aboriginal settlements appear to be more vulnerable to the disease.

She says pandemics have always had a greater impact on Aboriginal communities, because of living standards and lower immunity levels.

McKinnon says the federal government has asked the province to be ready for a voluntary universal vaccination starting in November, and this will likely involve a campaign to encourage flu shots, especially for kids and young adults.