Update - Health Unit to Open Up H1N1 Vaccination Clinics to Everyone

Additional Clinics Added in Peterborough County

Wednesday, November 18, 2009, Peterborough

In anticipation of the province’s expansion of H1N1 vaccine eligibility, the Peterborough County-City Health Unit announced on November 17th that all of its H1N1 vaccination clinics will open to the general population starting Wednesday, November 18.

“We have plenty of vaccine supply and strong clinic capacity to immunize everyone who wants to get vaccinated,” said Dr. Rosana Pellizzari, Peterborough’s Medical Officer of Health.  “I encourage all local residents to take advantage of this opportunity to protect themselves from H1N1 which we know is the dominant influenza strain circulating in our community.”

To accommodate residents living outside the city, the Health Unit also announced the following four new clinics:

• Asphodel-Norwood Community Centre on Monday, November 23 from 12 noon to 6 p.m.
• Buckhorn Community Centre on Saturday, November 28 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Cavan-Monaghan Municipal Office gym on Thursday, December 3 from 12 noon to 6 p.m.
• Douro Community Centre on Friday, December 4 from 12 noon to 6 p.m.

The previously announced clinic for Trent University is set to take place on Thursday, November 26th from 12-3 p.m. at the Athletics Complex.

Please note: The Athletics Complex is currently under construction.  A temporary entrance has been established at the north (Bata Library) end of the Athletics Complex. Parking in the Pay and display lot adjacent to the library, or in the Athletics lot is suggested.  There is a wheelchair lift at the entrance enabling people to access the gymnasium.   Anticipate potential line ups and plan accordingly – dress appropriately for potential weather conditions.

Dr. Pellizzari noted that typically influenza season continues well after December.  Even if the rates of influenza-like illness have already peaked in our area, it is still a good idea to get immunized.  H1N1 will continue to circulate all winter long and the vaccine will still provide protection for the rest of the flu season.  Immunization is the best protection against the influenza infection and local residents are encouraged to get the H1N1 vaccine to protect themselves and their families. 

The Peterborough County-City Health Unit is responsible for the organization and administration of all vaccination clinics.  All questions about their vaccination program should be directed to the Health Unit at (705) 743-1000

For details on all clinic dates and H1N1, please visit the Health Unit’s web site at: www.pcchu.ca .