P.E.I. pushes ahead with swine flu clinics
Last Updated: Sunday, November 8, 2009 | 4:00 PM AT
CBC News
P.E.I. is pushing ahead with swine flu vaccination clinics next week, despite receiving a lower than expected supply of the vaccine, health officials say.
The first clinic will be held from noon until 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Sherwood Business Centre in Charlottetown.
These high-risk groups will be eligible for the shot:
- People with chronic health conditions under 65 years of age.
- Household contacts and care providers of people who are immune-suppressed.
- Children six months old up to school entry.
- Household contacts of children less than 6 months.
- Aboriginal population.
A new shipment of the vaccine is expected to arrive on Wednesday, said Dr. Heather Morrison, chief health officer for the Department of Health.
"After the vaccine arrives, we will continue vaccinating children in elementary schools on Thursday and Friday, targeting students in Grades 4, 5 and 6," she said in a news release.
In addition, the province will hold more clinics for high-risk groups on Saturday at sites across the province.
The locations and times for these clinics are expected to be announced early in the week.
More than 27,000 islanders have been vaccinated during the first two weeks of the program, said Health Minister Doug Currie.
"We have now vaccinated almost one in five people in our province and I think these results speak to the efficiency of our plan and the dedication and hard work of the staff in our health system," he said.
For more information on upcoming clinics, visit www.gov.pe.ca/flu or call 1-888-748-5454.
