York Region is offering seasonal influenza vaccine at 14 community clinics across York Region.  The clinics began on Saturday, January 16th and run until Saturday, February 4th.   View the seasonal flu shot clinics for January and February 2010.  Residents can also get their seasonal shot from their physician or a participating workplace.

 

H1N1 Flu Vaccine: Dosing Recommendations
CATEGORY	DOSING RECOMMENDATION
Age 0-5 months	H1N1 flu vaccine not authorized for use
Age over 6 months and less than 3 years	2 half-doses of adjuvanted* vaccine There should be a minimum of 21 days between the 2 half-doses.
Age 3 to 9 years -Healthy children	1 half-dose adjuvanted* vaccine, for now**
Age 3 to 9 years - Children with chronic medical conditions	2 half-doses of adjuvanted* vaccine There should be a minimum of 21 days between the 2 half-doses.

Healthy people age 10 to 64 years	1 dose either adjuvanted* or unadjuvanted vaccine
People aged 10 to 64 years with weakened immune systems	1 dose adjuvanted* vaccine
People aged 65 years and over	1 dose adjuvanted* vaccine

Pregnant women	1 dose unadjuvanted vaccine
Pregnant women - More than 20 weeks pregnant	If unadjuvanted vaccine is not available and rates of H1N1 flu are high or increasing in the community, women more than 20 weeks pregnant should be offered 1 dose of adjuvanted* vaccine.
Pregnant women - With severe chronic disease	If unadjuvanted vaccine is not available and rates of H1N1 flu are high or increasing in the community, pregnant women with severe chronic disease should be offered 1 dose of adjuvanted* vaccine.

* An adjuvant is a substance that is added to a vaccine to boost the individual's immune response. It includes naturally occurring oil (called squalene), water and vitamin E. ** These recommendations may be updated as more information becomes available.

CO-ADMINISTRATION H1N1 flu vaccine may be administered concurrently with seasonal flu vaccine and other vaccines. If co-administered, injections should be given in separate limbs. If not given concurrently, there is no minimum interval required between the H1N1 flu vaccine and other vaccines. This advice is consistent with the Canadian Immunization Guide. Source: Public Health Agency of Canada

Nov 13, 2009, The Regional Municipality of York expands eligibility for H1N1 flu vaccine
Nov 12, 2009, Town of Newmarket H1N1 flu immunization clinic closed today for building maintenance
Nov 11, 2009, The Regional Municipality of York expands eligibility for H1N1 flu shot
Nov 10, 2009, York Region to open second Community Flu Assessment Centre
Nov 06, 2009, Unadjuvanted H1N1 flu vaccine available to pregnant women
Nov 05, 2009, Town of Markham H1N1 flu immunization clinic at capacity
Nov 05, 2009, Four H1N1 Clinics open from Thursday to Sunday in York Region
Nov 03, 2009, York Region opens its first Community Flu Assessment Centre
Nov 02, 2009, Five H1N1 immunization clinics operating in York Region today; Markham, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Newmarket and Georgina
Nov 1, 2009, City of Vaughan H1N1 flu immunization clinic at capacity
Oct 31, 2009, Two H1N1 Clinics operating in York Region today and tomorrow
Oct 31, 2009, City of Vaughan H1N1 flu immunization clinic at capacity
Oct 30, 2009, Town of Newmarket H1N1 flu immunization clinic at capacity
Oct 30, 2009, City of Vaughan H1N1 flu immunization clinic at capacity
Oct 30, 2009, The Regional Municipality of York schedules opening of fifth H1N1 flu immunization clinic
Oct 29, 2009, The Regional Municipality of York schedules opening of fourth H1N1 flu immunization clinic
Oct 29, 2009, York Region H1N1 flu immunization clinics at full capacity; no further patients will be accepted today
Oct 28, 2009, York Region H1N1 Clinics not accepting further patients today to accommodate existing lineups
Oct 27, 2009, York Region begins H1N1 flu vaccination clinics

If you have questions about the vaccine that are specific to your medical condition, you should ask your doctor.

After the H1N1 vaccine has been rolled out, the seasonal flu vaccine will be available to everyone who is six months of age and over who lives, works or attends school in York Region.

Click here to view a chart of the timing of vaccines


Does the annual flu shot protect me from H1N1?

The seasonal flu shot will not protect against H1N1. There are two flu vaccines available this year.


Why are the two vaccines being offered in three phases?

The H1N1 flu virus is the main strain of flu circulating this flu season. The seasonal flu vaccination schedule has been altered to co-ordinate with the H1N1 flu vaccinations. Flu vaccines will be available in a three-phased approach. The goal is to protect those most at risk for complications from catching the flu this year.

The goal is to target those most at risk for complications from either the seasonal flu or the H1N1 flu virus. Seniors are most at risk for complications from seasonal flu while younger people are more at risk for complications from H1N1 flu. Factors for the decision are: