Children and their families next to receive H1N1 vaccine
November 18, 2009
EDMONTON - Starting Friday, November 20, Alberta’s H1N1 immunization program will expand to include all children under 18 years of age as of November 1, as well as their immediate family members and caregivers living in the same household. The opportunity to include other Albertans will depend on an assessment of demand for the vaccine over the weekend.
Immunization for seniors expands tomorrow to include those 65 years of age and older as of November 1, as well as their spouse or partner of any age.
In addition, previously announced groups will continue to be eligible. They include:
- All children over six months and under five years (as of November 1);
- pregnant women;
- people with chronic conditions aged 5 to 64 (as of November 1); and,
- household contacts and caregivers of people who cannot be immunized (infants under six months of age and individuals with suppressed immune systems);
- first responders including firefighters, police and provincial peace officers;
- Seniors over 75 years of age, as well as their spouse or partner; and,
- frontline health care workers.
As of Friday, November 20, Alberta will have approximately 500,000 doses of vaccine on hand, and will be receiving regular shipments through December. All Albertans who want to be immunized will have that opportunity over the next couple of months.
Mass immunization clinics will continue for the next several weeks. Alberta Health Services will be working over the coming weeks to make vaccine available through other providers, including family physicians, pharmacies and employer clinics.
For the most current information on the targeted vaccination campaign, including dates, clinic locations, a list of chronic conditions for high-risk groups and groups being vaccinated, go to: www.albertahealthservices.ca
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