On September 24, the Ministry of Health of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC) announced a 3 step approach to this year’s flu immunizations:  

Step 1: October -The seasonal flu shot is being administered to people over the age of 65 and residents of long term care homes in October.

Step 2: November - The H1N1 vaccine is expected in November and will be available to whoever needs and wants it. However, because the H1N1 vaccine will not all be available at one time, it will be offered using the national sequencing of target groups, announced on Sept. 16/09 (visit thunderbayflu.ca for document).

Step 3: December or January - After the H1N1 vaccine program has been administered, the seasonal flu vaccine will be available to everyone over six months of age and residing in Ontario.

Why this new approach? 

• Emerging, unpublished evidence shows a possible association between seasonal flu immunization and an increased risk of infection with the H1N1 flu virus. The MOHLTC wants to learn more about this before administering the seasonal flu shot to the general public.
• Elderly are still being offered the seasonal flu vaccine because they are more susceptible to serious complications and hospitalization from seasonal flu infection. Yet, evidence indicates people born prior to 1957 are generally less likely to be infected with H1N1.
• H1N1 is expected to be the main strain of flu circulating this season. So, it makes most sense to focus efforts and resources on administering it to anyone in Ontario who wants and needs the vaccine before offering the seasonal vaccine.
• Staggering the vaccine program reduces some of the challenges of administering multiple vaccines.

 What this Means to Our Community/Partners:

• Seasonal flu clinics will begin in October for the Step 1 target groups (people 65 and over and those living in a long term care facility).
• Majority of people will have to wait to get the seasonal flu shot until after the H1N1 flu clinics are completed.
• Seasonal flu immunization is not targeted to health care workers in Step 1 of this season’s flu program. Health care workers can get the seasonal flu shot in Step 3.
• Seasonal flu clinic locations may have to be changed due to this announcement. The Health Unit will announce the flu clinic schedule as soon as possible.
• H1N1 flu clinics are expected to be held in the Thunder Bay District in November and December.
• General public seasonal flu clinics will be held in late 2009 or early 2010 once the H1N1 clinics have been completed.
• Prevention will be a key step in controlling the seasonal and H1N1 flu.

Key Prevention Messages:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water or by using an alcohol-based (greater than 60% alcohol) hand sanitizer.
• Cover your nose and mouth with your sleeve or a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• Disinfect commonly used surfaces and avoid touching your face.
• Stay home from school or work if you are sick. This will help prevent spreading illnesses to others.
• Get the flu shot(s).

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