H1N1 & Seasonal Influenza Vaccination

November 2, 2009 Update

The Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care recommends that those with chronic conditions, household contacts and health care providers be vaccinated against H1N1 as soon as possible, as they are increased risk of complications from H1N1. HHT on its own is not one of the chronic conditions considered to increase the risk of complications from H1N1. However, patients with HHT who have anemia or heart failure would be considered “high-risk” as well as those with unrelated chronic conditions, such as asthma.

H1N1 vaccination clinics across Ontario will continue to provide vaccinations to “high-risk” individuals across the province this week. If you are in a “high-risk” group, as outlined above, we recommend that you and those in your household be vaccinated now in a clinic closest to you.

A complete list of the 36 Ontario public health units, their vaccination clinics and contact info can be found on the Ministry of Health and Long-term Care website. Or you can call the Service Ontario Infoline at 1-866-532-3161 for information.

When the H1N1 vaccine becomes available to the general population, we recommend that everyone consider obtaining it. Our recommendations are the same regarding seasonal influenza vaccination.

Remember that good hand hygiene is the best way to fight the flu. Visit the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care for more information on hand hygiene.”

Other resources:
Seasonal Flu & H1N1 Flu
Flu Vaccine Schedule for 2009/2010
Public Health Agency of Canada
Arepanrix™ (H1N1 vaccine)