Few show up for H1N1 shots
Only 129 people turn out for Saturday morning shots
Last Updated: Saturday, November 21, 2009 | 2:17 PM CT
CBC News
Officials in Winnipeg say unusually low numbers of people are attending clinics to be vaccinated against the swine flu.
The Winnipeg Regional Health Authority reported that clinics on Friday attracted 4,400 people. The same clinics, in previous days, were tending to an average of 16,000 people.
Authorities said low turnouts were also being noticed at two clinics which opened Saturday at 9:30.
"We have vaccinated a total of 129 people," Heidi Graham, a spokeswoman for the health authority, told CBC News around noon Saturday. "That's a very, very low turnout. By far the lowest we've seen at any of our clinics."
The only difference noted between the current clinics and previous ones is that Winnipeg is offering only the non-adjuvant form of vaccine. That is the product that does not contain a booster.
Graham said the vaccine, while different, is approved for everyone between the ages of 10 and 65 who has a healthy immune system.
She noted staff were disappointed with the low turnout.
"I'm sure it is very frustrating for the staff," Graham said. "I'm sure they have places they would rather be. But they're there because there is public demand for this and they recognized the importance of people getting vaccinated."
The two Saturday clinics in Winnipeg are at the University of Manitoba and Holy Eucharist Parish Hall. They will be open until 4 p.m.
