H1N1 Immunizations on Track

(November 3, 2009) Saskatoon – Saskatoon Health Region has begun immunizing children six months to less than five years, pregnant women and women up to four weeks post-partum at Prairieland Park.

As of 2:00 p.m., there are no longer line-ups outside Prairieland Park. People remain queued inside the main doors. The Health Region is reminding residents that once registered, it will take at least one hour to get through the immunization process.

The Region is also reminding residents to be prepared to wait both inside and outside for at least a few hours, depending on the line-ups.  As well, those receiving immunization should keep in mind the following:

• Visit www.4flu.ca to print and complete the consent form to fast track registration.
• Bring you or your child’s Saskatchewan health card.
• Be prepared for a waiting period – bring a stroller, wheelchair, snacks, drinks and toys.
• Remember once inside the main doors, all individuals being immunized MUST be present.
• Please dress for the weather.

The Region reminds the public that H1N1 immunizations are ONLY for children six months to less than five years, pregnant women and women up to four weeks post-partum.

 “As of 1:00 p.m., 1,041 individuals have been immunized at Prairieland Park. We remain on track to immunize up to 4,000 individuals today,” says Karen Grauer, manager Disease Control, Saskatoon Health Region. “We are planning to be open from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm for this week and have enough vaccine to immunize these at-risk groups.”

Also, the Region asks the public to go to clinics designated for their area. For example, rural clinics are only staffed to handle eligible residents who live in that geographical area. Residents eligible for immunization and who live in Saskatoon and immediate rural communities such as Warman and Martensville are asked to come to the Prairieland Park.

Immunizations for these specific at-risk groups continue for Saskatoon residents in the neighbourhoods of King George, Meadow Green, Pleasant Hill, Riversdale and Westmount as well as in the rural communities.

The province has announced today that later this week or early next, depending on vaccine availability, H1N1 immunization will expand to school-age children from Kindergarten to Grade 6.

“In collaboration with the school divisions, Saskatoon Health Region is working on plans to immunize this next at-risk group,” says Dr. Ross Findlater, deputy medical health officer, Saskatoon Health Region. “We will notify parents when those plans are finalized.”

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For more information contact:

Saskatoon Health Region

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