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FLU CLINIC TODAY (Nov. 16)
H1N1 flu shot priority group expanded to include all to 18 yrs
Carberry is holding a flu clinic today (November 16) at the Community Hall to immunize as many of the people on the expanded priority list as possible. The most recent addition has been young people 18 years of age and under. Recent lab tests confirm a second wave of the pandemic is definitely under way, and Manitoba has observed an increase in emergency-room and health-care provider visits for school-aged children with influenza-like symptoms. Immunizing this group should also reduce the risk of and help to address concerns about severe illness and death in school-aged children. Providing H1N1 flu shots to school-age children should help reduce the spread of disease to others and help protect all family members who may be at risk.
To date, at publication time, Manitoba has delivered over 200,000 doses of the required vaccine, having received 269,200 doses to distribute.
H1N1 Flu Shots
Manitoba will be following PHAC's vaccine dosage recommendations for children, which were announced last week:
• Children between six months of age and under three years of age should receive two half doses of adjuvanted H1N1 flu vaccine, administered at least 21 days apart. Children with chronic health conditions who are between three and nine years of age should also receive half-doses in the same way as soon as possible.
• Healthy children between three and nine years of age should only receive a single half dose of the H1N1 vaccine and do not need to return for a second vaccine for now. This recommendation may be updated as more information becomes available.
H1N1 Flu
As of the middle of last week, there were nine individuals hospitalized in intensive care with severe respiratory illnesses, and five were on ventilators. Two have been confirmed to have H1N1 flu.
To date, the individuals who are in intensive care reflect the same risk factors that caused severe illness in the spring during the first wave of the pandemic flu. The individuals are in the first priority group for vaccine, comprising those Manitobans who would benefit the most from getting the H1N1 shot now:
- children aged six months to eighteen years old;
- anyone of Aboriginal ancestry (First Nations, Métis or Inuit);
- disadvantaged individuals (for example, the homeless);
- people living in remote or isolated areas;
- people under 65 with a chronic medical condition or other risk including severe obesity, substance abuse or alcoholism;
- anyone with a weakened immune system or those who live with or care for them;
- those who live with or care for infants under six months old;
- single parents or anyone solely responsible for a dependent;
- health-care workers and medical first responders; and
- pregnant women.
Additional measures to help prevent flu infections:
- Cover your cough by coughing into your elbow or sleeve or use a tissue to cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing. Place the tissue in the garbage.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Hand sanitizers may also be effective.
- Reduce the spread of germs. Limit touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Maintain your health by making healthy food choices, being physically active and getting enough sleep.
Manitobans are reminded to watch for signs of severe illness. If you or a family member has any of the following symptoms, go directly to an emergency room, nursing station or health-care provider or call 911:
- shortness of breath or difficulty breathing,
- severe or worsening symptoms,
- dehydration,
- drowsiness or confusion,
- fever in an infant under three months old, and
- any signs of serious illness in a child under five years of age.
Manitobans are encouraged to contact their nearest health-care provider or visit the nearest health-care centre if they have flu symptoms and risks for severe illness or are concerned they may need care, especially if symptoms are severe or worsening. Early treatment (within 24 to 48 hours) may be very important.
More information on H1N1 flu is available at www.manitoba.ca/flu or Health Links–Info Santé at 788-8200 or 1-888-315-9257 (toll-free).
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