http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2009/09/16/h1n1-vaccine.html
H1N1 vaccine priority groups released
People with chronic medical conditions under the age of 65 are among those who would benefit most from immunization, federal health officials say. (John Amis/AP Photo)Canada released new guidelines Wednesday on who should be first in line for H1N1 pandemic flu vaccines.
The groups include:
People with chronic medical conditions under the age of 65.
Pregnant women.
Children six months of age to under five years of age.
People living in remote and isolated settings or communities.
Health-care workers involved in pandemic response or who deliver essential health services.
Household contacts and caregivers of individuals who are at high risk, and who cannot be immunized (such as infants under six months of age or people with weakened immune systems).
"Keeping in mind that we've ordered enough vaccine for every Canadian that needs and wants to be immunized, our basic approach is to ensure that those that need it most get it first," said Dr. David Butler-Jones, Canada's chief public health officer.
Setting priorities
Since the whole vaccine order won't be available immediately, those in the priority groups will be encouraged to access the first seven to 10 million doses that should roll out by the third week of October, he said.
The list is not in order of priority, and it will be up to provinces and territories to interpret the guidelines based on their needs, Butler-Jones said. The list could also be revised as more is learned about the virus or if the virus itself changes.
Others who would benefit from vaccination include first-responders (e.g., police and firefighters) and poultry and swine workers. The priority is to protect public health and ensure a continuation of public services.
Vaccinations could start earlier if the flu surges and health officials are convinced the vaccine is safe.
Canada's swine flu vaccine manufacturer, GlaxoSmithKline, can produce 3.5 million doses a week.
The Public Health Agency of Canada's vaccine priority list is in line with recommendations made by the World Health Organization and U.S. health officials.
Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq announced 76 swine flu deaths have been reported in Canada as of Tuesday, up two from last week.
H1N1 vaccine priority groups released
People with chronic medical conditions under the age of 65 are among those who would benefit most from immunization, federal health officials say. (John Amis/AP Photo)Canada released new guidelines Wednesday on who should be first in line for H1N1 pandemic flu vaccines.
The groups include:
People with chronic medical conditions under the age of 65.
Pregnant women.
Children six months of age to under five years of age.
People living in remote and isolated settings or communities.
Health-care workers involved in pandemic response or who deliver essential health services.
Household contacts and caregivers of individuals who are at high risk, and who cannot be immunized (such as infants under six months of age or people with weakened immune systems).
"Keeping in mind that we've ordered enough vaccine for every Canadian that needs and wants to be immunized, our basic approach is to ensure that those that need it most get it first," said Dr. David Butler-Jones, Canada's chief public health officer.
Setting priorities
Since the whole vaccine order won't be available immediately, those in the priority groups will be encouraged to access the first seven to 10 million doses that should roll out by the third week of October, he said.
The list is not in order of priority, and it will be up to provinces and territories to interpret the guidelines based on their needs, Butler-Jones said. The list could also be revised as more is learned about the virus or if the virus itself changes.
Others who would benefit from vaccination include first-responders (e.g., police and firefighters) and poultry and swine workers. The priority is to protect public health and ensure a continuation of public services.
Vaccinations could start earlier if the flu surges and health officials are convinced the vaccine is safe.
Canada's swine flu vaccine manufacturer, GlaxoSmithKline, can produce 3.5 million doses a week.
The Public Health Agency of Canada's vaccine priority list is in line with recommendations made by the World Health Organization and U.S. health officials.
Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq announced 76 swine flu deaths have been reported in Canada as of Tuesday, up two from last week.
