(December 14, 2009), Saskatoon – More adults, especially men, need to roll up their sleeves and get their H1N1 immunization, according to the latest statistics released today by Saskatoon Health Region.
“While we are very pleased that the majority of our young children have received their H1N1 immunization, we are concerned that not enough parents, and adults in general, are protected,” says Dr. Cory Neudorf, chief medical health officer, Saskatoon Health Region. “It appears just over one-third of adults, mainly women, have been immunized to protect themselves and their families. To keep a third wave of H1N1 influenza from hitting our community, more adults must be vaccinated. So we are encouraging adult men and women to go to the mass immunization clinics while they are available and the vaccine is easily accessible.”
As of last week, 41% of women between the ages of 18-64 received the vaccine compared to 27% of men in the same age group.
The following highlights the latest demographic information regarding immunization rates in Saskatoon Health Region.
Age |
% immunized |
City of Saskatoon |
Outside of Saskatoon |
Preschool (children aged 0 – 4 years) |
67.56% |
71.98% |
Elementary School (aged 5 to 11) |
68.89% |
71.45% |
Middle and High School (aged 12 to 17) |
47.82% |
52.83% |
Adult (aged 18-64 years) |
32.34% |
34.98% |
Senior (aged 65 to 100) |
51.58% |
51.25% |
As of December 13th, it’s estimated about 43%, or 129,000 people overall, in Saskatoon Health Region have been immunized. And even though there are slight differences between rural and urban rates, what is more important is that to minimize the level of illness in our communities we would like to reach an overall coverage rate of 60% to 70%.
Thursday, December 17 will mark the end of the mass public immunization campaign. In Saskatoon, the clinic at Prairieland Park will close its doors at 6pm on Thursday. For additional clinic locations and times, visit
www.saskatoonhealthregion.ca
Saskatoon Health Region is encouraging everyone who has yet to receive H1N1 immunization to go to one of the remaining mass immunization clinics. Individuals who are at high-risk for seasonal influenza can also receive their seasonal flu vaccine at any of the mass immunization sites.
After December 17, H1N1 and seasonal influenza immunizations will only be available through appointment.
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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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