Expanded high risks groups for H1N1 vaccine

Annapolis Valley Health’s upcoming H1N1 vaccine clinics will include the additional risk groups announced Friday by the province’s chief public health officer Dr. Robert Strang.

People in the following groups are now eligible to receive H1N1 vaccine:

· children and youth under 19 who have chronic medical conditions for which they receive regular medical attention, including morbid obesity,

· women who gave birth within the last four weeks and their partners

People in the first risk groups are still eligible to be immunized: First Nations communities, pregnant women, and children younger than five years of age (six to 59 months) but not their family members.

For the week of November 9-13 clinics locations and times will be as follows: All Clinic Times: 1 to 8 p.m. (registration ends at 7:30 p.m.)

Monday, November 9 - Annapolis Royal Fire Hall

Tuesday, November 10 - New Minas Baptist Church

Thursday, November 12 - Kingston Fire Hall

Long waits can be difficult, especially for pregnant women and young children. Eat before you come to a clinic, be prepared in case you have to wait outside and consider bringing a snack and drink.

People are reminded to bring their health card. There is no charge for the H1N1 vaccine. Do not come to the clinic if you are sick or have flu symptoms.

For more information on H1N1 flu, visit Nova Scotia Health Promotion and Protection, or contact 811

* Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly, use hand sanitizers when appropriate and cough into your sleeve instead of your hand.

* Wash your hands after blowing or wiping your nose.

* Do not visit friends or family in the hospital if you feel ill.

Annapolis Valley Health is seeking RNs and LPNs (current and retired) to provide immunizations and assessments.