Pathfinder
Editor, Senior Moderator
Keeping our heads during the H1N1 pandemic
Published Monday January 4th, 2010
There's no question that the H1N1 pandemic has been cause for great worry among the general population.
The virus still poses a huge concern for many people, as well as for the officials who look after our health and welfare.
We were saddened this week to learn that an anti-viral resistant strain of the H1N1 virus has claimed the life of a New Brunswick man. He was the eighth New Brunswicker to die from complications associated with the virus.
But the fact that we've collectively tackled this issue through mass vaccinations and educational awareness is proof that an even-minded approach to the problem has worked and is continuing to show positive results.
People are better informed than they've ever been, and the chances of contracting this virus have been vastly reduced.
With that in mind, we're pleased to hear that Canadians and, more specifically, New Brunswickers and Frederictonians, will not have to carry proof of vaccination with them, if planning to travel this winter.
For those who chose not to get vaccinated, for whatever reason, and it is a personal choice, will no longer have to fret about being confronted while travelling.
Demands for such documentation from would be carrying the H1N1 hype too far.
Jennifer Morrison, a spokeswoman for the Canada Border Services Agency for Atlantic Canada, said no one will be stopped at the Canadian/United States border if they haven't had the vaccine.
"If people want to have proof of the vaccine on them, that's an individual choice," Morrison said. "Unless for medical reasons you aren't permitted into Canada, you are not required as a traveller to bring proof of any vaccine."
A statement on the Canadian Border Services Agency's website said border officials are working with quarantine officers from the Public Health Agency of Canada.
Anyone showing symptoms of illness at the border will be referred to a quarantine officer, the website states.
We believe that's fair.
Officials have done an excellent job of accenting the need for the vaccination.
In fact, the work of the many individuals involved in those efforts should be applauded.
There can be little doubt that the H1N1 scare has impacted our lives.
For a good portion of this year, it has owned the headlines and has dominated us in a manner seldom seen since the terrorist attacks of 2001.
The virus was the runaway selection for the top Canadian news story of 2009.
This newspaper has chosen the health-care professionals and others who helped organize the mass vaccination program our Newsmakers of the Year.
A lot of good has come of this experience, including our ability to come through this scare with our heads firmly on our shoulders and with common sense intact.
That shows we have learned and will continue to do so as we head into 2010.
http://dailygleaner.canadaeast.com/opinion/article/908612
Published Monday January 4th, 2010
There's no question that the H1N1 pandemic has been cause for great worry among the general population.
The virus still poses a huge concern for many people, as well as for the officials who look after our health and welfare.
We were saddened this week to learn that an anti-viral resistant strain of the H1N1 virus has claimed the life of a New Brunswick man. He was the eighth New Brunswicker to die from complications associated with the virus.
But the fact that we've collectively tackled this issue through mass vaccinations and educational awareness is proof that an even-minded approach to the problem has worked and is continuing to show positive results.
People are better informed than they've ever been, and the chances of contracting this virus have been vastly reduced.
With that in mind, we're pleased to hear that Canadians and, more specifically, New Brunswickers and Frederictonians, will not have to carry proof of vaccination with them, if planning to travel this winter.
For those who chose not to get vaccinated, for whatever reason, and it is a personal choice, will no longer have to fret about being confronted while travelling.
Demands for such documentation from would be carrying the H1N1 hype too far.
Jennifer Morrison, a spokeswoman for the Canada Border Services Agency for Atlantic Canada, said no one will be stopped at the Canadian/United States border if they haven't had the vaccine.
"If people want to have proof of the vaccine on them, that's an individual choice," Morrison said. "Unless for medical reasons you aren't permitted into Canada, you are not required as a traveller to bring proof of any vaccine."
A statement on the Canadian Border Services Agency's website said border officials are working with quarantine officers from the Public Health Agency of Canada.
Anyone showing symptoms of illness at the border will be referred to a quarantine officer, the website states.
We believe that's fair.
Officials have done an excellent job of accenting the need for the vaccination.
In fact, the work of the many individuals involved in those efforts should be applauded.
There can be little doubt that the H1N1 scare has impacted our lives.
For a good portion of this year, it has owned the headlines and has dominated us in a manner seldom seen since the terrorist attacks of 2001.
The virus was the runaway selection for the top Canadian news story of 2009.
This newspaper has chosen the health-care professionals and others who helped organize the mass vaccination program our Newsmakers of the Year.
A lot of good has come of this experience, including our ability to come through this scare with our heads firmly on our shoulders and with common sense intact.
That shows we have learned and will continue to do so as we head into 2010.
http://dailygleaner.canadaeast.com/opinion/article/908612