Winnipeg closes H1N1 clinics until next week
Vaccine shortage delays shots until next Thursday
Last Updated: Saturday, November 7, 2009 | 9:39 AM ET
CBC News
People in Winnipeg won't be able to get an H1N1 flu shot until next Thursday because of a vaccine shortage, the regional health authority announced late Friday.
The agency said it was out of vaccine and clinics scheduled for Monday and Tuesday will not open as planned. The Winnipeg Regional Health Authority does not run clinics on weekends.
It will also not open any clinics on the Nov. 11 Remembrance Day holiday.
As of noon Friday, the authority reported 96,422 people in Winnipeg had been vaccinated against the strain of H1N1 influenza A virus responsible for the current swine flu pandemic.
The authority said that when clinics reopen Thursday, the criteria for vaccination will be the same as they have been in recent days.
The priority groups are:
- Children between the ages of six months and five years
- People of aboriginal background.
- Disadvantaged people, such as the homeless.
- People from remote or isolated areas.
- People under 65 with a chronic medical condition or other risk factor.
- Anyone with a weakened immune system, and their caregiver.
- Anyone who cares for an infant under six months.
- Single parents or anyone solely responsible for a dependent.
- Health-care workers and first-responders.
- Pregnant women.
