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Public Health Officials have stated that the H1N1 virus will be the main strain of flu virus circulating this flu season. The seasonal flu vaccination schedule will be altered to co-ordinate with the H1N1 flu vaccinations. Flu vaccines will be available in a three phased approach. The goal is to protect those most at risk for complications from catching the flu this year.
UPDATE (January 14, 2010): H1N1 Vaccine Still Available
Although all York Region H1N1 clinics have closed, H1N1 flu vaccines are still currently available at the following places:
- Family health care providers: For residents who do not have a family physician or whose family physician is not providing the H1N1 flu vaccine, a list of local physicians who can provide it to you is available at www.york.ca/flu A health card is required when receiving the H1N1 flu vaccine from a physician. when receiving the H1N1 flu vaccine from a physician.
- Seasonal Influenza Community Clinics: Only unadjuvanted H1N1 flu vaccine is available at seasonal influenza Community Clinics. Unadjuvanted H1N1 flu vaccine is recommended for pregnant women and people between the ages of 10 and 64 years who do not have any chronic health conditions.
- York Region Monthly Community Immunization Clinics: York Region public health runs monthly immunization clinics for students who need to catch up on their routine immunizations. There are five locations across York Region. In Richmond Hill, the clinic is held the first Tuesday of every month (beginning January 5, 2010) at the Region's South Services Centre at 50 High Tech Road on the 2nd floor. Other clinic times and locations are available at www.york.ca/flu. Appointments are not necessary for routine immunizations, however, residents are encouraged to make an appointment for the H1N1 flu vaccine. Appointments can be made by calling York Region Health Connection at 1-800-361-5653.
Both the seasonal flu vaccine and the H1N1 flu vaccine can be administered at the same time.
The H1N1 vaccine is also being administered by participating family doctors, and may be available through some workplace programs. Please contact your family doctor for more information. For a list of physicians who are willing to give the H1N1 shot to York Region residents without family doctors as well as a list of regular seasonal flu clinic locations, please visit the Region of York's Website or call York Region Health Connection at 1-800-361-5653.
Vaccine Recall Does Note Affect York Region
The Public Health Agency of Canada is reviewing reports of a higher than normal number of adverse events associated with one particular lot of the H1N1 vaccine. As a precautionary measure, the vaccine is being withheld from use until further analysis is done. None of this lot of vaccine was sent to York Region.
Province of Ontario News Release [PDF]
 Included in York Region’s public health pandemic plan are Community Flu Assessment Centres (CFAC), used during a pandemic influenza outbreak to alleviate pressures and congestion from local hospitals. The CFAC also provides residents who are suffering from influenza with another option for assessment and treatment.
What To Do If You Have Symptoms [PDF]
What can you do?
 Flu-like illnesses spread very easily. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing. Sometimes people become infected by touching contaminated objects or surfaces, then touching their eyes, mouths or noses.
Everyone is encouraged to follow the usual infection control precautions to stay healthy and reduce the risk of illness. To reduce the risk of illness:
- Wash your hands well and often. If soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains between 60-90 per cent alcohol.
- Cough and sneeze into your sleeve or a tissue, not your hand. Dispose of tissues immediately.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Stay home when you are ill and limit your contact with others.
- Clean and disinfect shared surfaces.
You can help reduce the impact of illness in our com munity by teaching and encouraging your children to follow the above everyday actions. Click here to see the H1N1 Preparedness Guide, a comprehensive booklet by the Public Health Agency of Canada.
Contact Information
If you have concerns speak with your health care provider, or call:
- TeleHealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000, TTY: 1-866-797-007
- Public Health Agency of Canada information line at 1-800-454-8302
- ServiceOntario INFOline at 1-800-476-9708 for general information on swine flu
- York Region Health Connection at 1-800-361-5653
Websites
For more information about the H1N1 flu and the current situation::
Read more about what the Town is doing to prepare for Pandemic Influenza.
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