(December 10, 2009), Saskatoon –The mass H1N1 immunization site at Prairieland Park will permanently close at 6:00 pm on Thursday, December 17th.
Saskatoon Health Region is encouraging anyone wanting the H1N1 vaccine and those at high-risk for seasonal influenza and wanting their seasonal flu shot to head to Prairieland Park as soon as possible.
“The mass immunization clinic has been operating since November 3, and in five weeks, we have immunized more than 55,000 residents at Prairieland Park against H1N1,” says Karen Grauer, manager – disease control, Saskatoon Health Region. “However, we are noticing that the number of people coming in day-to-day is declining. So, we believe that by next Thursday, anyone who really wants the vaccine will have received it and a mass immunization site will no longer be necessary.”
All remaining rural mass immunizations clinics will also be ending on December 17th.
Starting, Friday, December 18th, individuals wanting the H1N1 vaccine or parents with children who still need a second half-dose can make an appointment by calling 655-4FLU (4358).
The public should be aware they may have to wait for an appointment, given the challenges of storing and administering the vaccine responsibly and staff available to immunize.
“Once a vial of vaccine is opened, it must be used within 24 hours,” explains Dr. Ross Findlater, deputy medical health officer, Saskatoon Health Region. “Each vial holds 10 adult doses. That means if we are going to immunize through appointment, those appointments will have to be carefully coordinated and planned.”
Also, public health will soon return to its normal operations and resume many of the services that were put on hold during H1N1 mass immunization. That means there will be fewer staff available to provide the H1N1 vaccine.
The Region is also encouraging all high-risk groups needing seasonal influenza immunization to go to Prairieland Park and rural public sites before they close. After December 17th, seasonal influenza vaccinations will be available by appointment only.
Therefore, the Region is stressing the importance of both groups – those wanting H1N1 vaccination AND those at high-risk for seasonal influenza wanting their regular flu shot – getting immunized at Prairieland Park while vaccines are easily accessible and the site is still open.
This immunization site is opened weekdays 1 - 8 pm; and Saturday 10 - 6 pm. Please note the following changes:
- Sunday, December 13 - CLOSED
- Thursday, December 17 – FINAL DAY (1 – 6 pm) * Site will close early this day. *
As of December 8, 41% of the Region’s population, or about 122,000 residents, have received their H1N1 immunization.
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For more information contact:
Linda Walker
Corporate and Public Affairs Adviser
Saskatoon Health Region
306-655-3328
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Saskatoon Health Region
“Healthiest people, healthiest communities, exceptional service.”
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