Sarnia, ON – The County of Lambton Community Health Services Department will be adjusting the number of flu shot clinics available over the winter holidays in December.
Community clinics will be provided at three main locations in Lambton County on the following dates and times throughout the holiday season:
SARNIA
Bayside Centre
10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Dec. 16-19
Dec. 21-23, 29-30
PETROLIA
Lambton Meadowview Villa
3 p.m.-7 p.m.
Dec. 21-22, 29
FOREST
Kimball Hall
3 p.m.-7 p.m.
Dec. 17, 21, 30
The Community Health Services Department has provided 233 flu clinic sessions from October 26 to December 14, 2009 through community and school clinics. Over 28,000 doses of pandemic H1N1 vaccine have been provided to residents in Lambton County at these clinics. Over 18,000 doses were distributed to other agencies for vaccination programs including hospitals, physicians, health centres, First Nations communities, Community Care Access Centre, etc.
"Our community immunization rate against the H1N1 flu virus currently sits at approximately 35%," says Dr. Chris Greensmith, Medical Officer of Health for Lambton County. "We would like to see this number increase in order to provide better protection within the community."
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a pandemic can last as long as it takes the virus to run its course or until a vaccine is found which stops it. Previous pandemics have lasted from 18 months to as long as two years.
A WHO global update on the pandemic situation indicates pandemic influenza activity has passed its peak in North America and in parts of western, northern, and eastern Europe, but activity continues to increase in parts of central and southeastern Europe, as well as in south and east Asia. Influenza transmission remains active in much of western and central Asia and there is evidence of pandemic virus circulation in most regions of Africa.
The virus has already spread globally and will continue to circulate in various countries. This often supports the return of the virus to communities and the possibility of another pandemic wave. The WHO is not recommending travel restrictions related to pandemic (H1N1) 2009.
"The best choice to prevent the spread of flu and to protect yourself, your family, and your community is to get your flu shot," says Dr. Greensmith.
Residents are reminded the H1N1 flu vaccine will not protect against the seasonal flu virus that usually circulates in Lambton County beginning in December or January. All individuals six months of age and older are encouraged to receive both the H1N1 flu shot and seasonal flu shot this year. Both flu shots can be administered safely during one visit.
Please do not attend any clinic if you are currently ill with fever or respiratory symptoms.
More information about H1N1 and seasonal flu, the vaccines, and community immunization clinics can be found online at www.lambtonhealth.on.ca, or call the Flu Clinic Info Line at 519 383-3812 or toll-free 1-800-667-1839 ext. 3812.
IMPORTANT: Please bring your Ontario Health Card or Ontario Driver’s Licence.
For more information about Lambton County, visit www.lambtononline.ca.
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Contact:
Vicki Hawksworth
Supervisor, Environmental Health & Prevention Services
County of Lambton
Telephone: 519 383-8331 ext. 3503
email: vicki.hawksworth@county-lambton.on.ca
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