No H1N1 shots until next week

Christy Marsters

Flu vaccination clinics are scheduled for Windsor Elementary on November 9 and 16, from 3 to 8:30 p.m. Both clinics are open to the general public at no cost.

Capital Health spokesperson John Gillis says there may be additional clinics offered and the current schedule is subject to change.

Getting the Health Canada approved vaccination is the most effective way to limit the spread of this virus in a community, Gillis says. “We are encouraging everyone to get vaccinated. Seasonal vaccinations will be offered at the same times.”

There was preliminary research suggesting having a seasonal influenza vaccine may increase the risks of getting the H1N1 virus, but officials now say it is safe to receive both at the same time, he adds. “(Getting vaccinated) is the best measure you can take; H1N1 is out in our community.”

In most cases, the H1N1 flu virus is quite mild, but it some people have become seriously ill and some patients have died, Gillis notes. “It is something we should take seriously.”