Inoculation frustration

West Hants’ joint council took a jab at Capital Health this week. During the October 29 meeting, Windsor, West Hants and Hantsport councils complained residents in the area have been short-changed when it comes to receiving H1N1 vaccine.

While some other regions have clinics up and running, the first to serve Windsor, West Hants and Hantsport is set for November 9, two weeks behind other towns and municipalities. “I believe this area has been put on the back burner,” said West Hants councillor Randy Gaudet. “It’s been more than two week since the vaccine was available and we still don’t have a clinic. I think that is unacceptable. We are not second class citizens here.”

Hantsport Mayor Wanye Folker said people might not be better off going to their family physician. When he contacted his doctor for an appointment, the earliest available was November 26.

Windsor Town councillor Liz Gaibraith said her constituents, especially mothers, don’t appreciate the wait. “The problem is we are on the fringe of Capital Health. We’ve been overlooked and I’m not happy about it.”

Gaudet added the two clinics set for November 9 and 16 at the Windsor Elementary School are not adequate to meet the needs of this coverage area. “What about those residents who don’t have a family doctors and those who live in remote areas and are not able to travel to town? How do they get the vaccine?”

West Hants Municipal Warden, Richard Dauphinee said he has made inquiries at Hants Community Hospital, but had not yet received a reply. Joint Council passed a motion to send a letter to Capital Health, the Minister of Health and the Premier outlining these concerns. “I think a phone call needs to be made here and soon,” said Windsor councillor John Bregante.