Manitoba health officials begin waging a front-line battle against an outbreak of the H1N1 flu virus on Monday.

Twelve Winnipeg clinics open at 9:30 a.m. CT on Monday, with many provincial clinics also opening throughout the week.

Officials are encouraging these groups to get vaccinated first:

• People of aboriginal ancestry.
• Children between six months and five years of age.
• Patients at risk of chronic illnesses.
• People with weak immune systems.

But even those who aren’t considered high-risk to contract H1N1 should get a flu shot to prevent the spread of the virus, said Dr. Joel Kettner, Manitoba’s chief medical officer of health.

“We need to understand that every case of influenza that we prevent, that’s another person infected that can’t infect somebody else,” Kettner said.

“It could have an impact on the spread of disease within societies and between people.”

Kettner also cautioned that it’s important that healthy young adults – not typically a target group for flu shots — get vaccinated. “We have to be very cautious and we can’t underestimate the potential for a pandemic influenza causing quite a bit more trouble than our seasonal influenza,” he said.

However, the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority (WRHA) will not be policing the clinics to ensure those most at risk get a swine flu shot first.

Patients will be managed on a first-come, individual basis, said Dr. Sandy Harlo, a medical officer of health with the WRHA.

The health authority said it has put out a call for nurses willing to work at one of the mass immunization clinics.

Vaccinations are free of charge for everyone. People are reminded to bring their Manitoba health card.

Each clinic will be open Monday to Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the locations listed on the map below.