News Release
For immediate release
September 24, 2009    

Following the direction of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, Algoma Public Health and Group Health Centre will provide seasonal flu shots to people aged 65 and over and residents of long-term care homes in October, followed by the H1N1 flu vaccination program for all Ontarians. Seasonal flu vaccine will be available to the rest of the province following the H1N1 flu vaccination program.

If you are aged 65 and over and live in Sault Ste. Marie, you can call 541-2332 to book your appointment.  All clinics in Sault Ste. Marie will be held in the Health Promotion Centre, located in the Cambrian Mall (2 stores north of Canadian Tire). If you live in the Blind River, Elliot Lake, Wawa and area, please call 1-800-469-2449. 

Evidence shows the H1N1 flu virus will be the main flu strain in circulation this fall in Ontario. It is important to protect those most at risk for complications from catching the flu this year. Seniors are most at risk for complications from seasonal flu while younger people are more at risk for complications from H1N1 flu.

By targeting those most at risk for complications from either of the flu strains, the province is effectively delivering the vaccine people need most to stay healthy and reduce the spread of flu.

Some studies in Canada show a potential association between prior seasonal flu vaccination and the risk of getting an infection with the H1N1 virus. Ontario is taking a cautious approach and is phasing in two flu vaccine programs:

·       In October, the seasonal flu vaccine will be offered to Ontarians 65 years and over and residents of long-term care homes

·       H1N1 vaccine will be offered to the general population starting in November

·       The universal seasonal influenza immunization program will be offered to all other residents six months of age and older following the completion of the H1N1 vaccine delivery.

Stay healthy this flu season.  Here's how:

·       Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 15 seconds.

·       Cough and sneeze into your upper sleeve or a tissue, not in your hand. Dispose of tissues immediately.

·       Stay home if you have flu-like symptoms (i.e. fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue). 

·       Get your flu shot.

For more information on staying healthy this flu season, please visit www.algomapublichealth.com or www.ghc.on.ca.

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Media contact only:
Sue Berger                    
Public Health Nurse                   
Algoma Public Health                  
(705) 541-7376                
ID#  09-60