Alberta prepared for second wave of H1N1 Vaccine will be available to Albertans starting October 26

October 21, 2009

Edmonton… Alberta will begin rolling out the H1N1 vaccine following today’s announcement by the Public Health Agency of Canada that the H1N1 vaccine is safe, effective and authorized for use across Canada.“The availability of this vaccine is the boost we have been waiting for to help win the battle against pandemic H1N1 for all Albertans,” said Minister of Health and Wellness Ron Liepert.

As H1N1 is expected to be the most prevalent strain of the influenza virus this year, Alberta is focusing its efforts on providing this vaccine to as many Albertans as possible.

“This vaccine has undergone rigorous testing processes and clinical trials around the world and is established to be safe,” said Dr. André Corriveau, Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health. “Getting immunized is one of the most effective ways of preventing the spread of this virus.”

Clinics will begin immunizing all Albertans over six months of age against H1N1 as early as October 26. High-risk groups are encouraged to get their immunization as soon as possible.

Alberta Health Services has been delivering the seasonal influenza vaccine for the past several weeks to people identified as high risk, as well as others who want it.

“These programs will shift their priority to H1N1 vaccine delivery,” said Dr. Gerry Predy, Senior Medical Officer of Health for Alberta Health Services. “However, seasonal influenza immunization will still be available at these sites to those who want it.”

Clinic timing may differ slightly in some areas. For detailed information on locations and times of H1N1 influenza immunization clinics near you, or to find out more information about high-risk groups that will receive priority immunization, visit www.albertahealthservices.ca or www.healthlinkalberta.ca, or call Health Link Alberta in Edmonton at 780-408-5465, in Calgary at 403-943-5465, or toll free at 1-866-408-5465.

For more information on Alberta’s plans for pandemic H1N1 influenza, please visit www.health.alberta.ca, or www.albertahealthservices.ca

Backgrounder: Information on H1N1 vaccine attached.

Media inquiries may be directed to:

John Tuckwell
Communications
Alberta Health and Wellness
780-427-7164

Howard May
Communications
Alberta Health and Wellness
403-660-1870

Don Stewart
Communications
Alberta Health Services
403-943-1210

To call toll free within Alberta dial 310-0000.