Posted on 01/15/2010, 7:16 am, by mySteinbach

Manitoba Health and regional health authorities are working with federal and provincial government departments, Crown corporations and private businesses to set up H1N1 flu clinics in larger workplaces so that employees and their families who want the H1N1 flu shot can get it quickly and conveniently. The H1N1 flu shot continues to be available in regional clinics, public health offices and through many doctors’ offices.  Manitobans are encouraged to contact their regional health authority or physician to find out where the shot is available.
 
More than 442,000 H1N1 shots have been given to approximately 37 per cent of Manitobans.  The province will now only track immunizations through its normal database which also collects information about where the shot was given and other important demographic information like age, gender and risk factors. For example, only about one-quarter of men aged 19 to 64 and pregnant women have chosen to be immunized. However, the database does not provide real-time updates on vaccination numbers so future updates will be provided as the numbers become available. As of this morning, a total of 172 doctors’ offices have ordered more than 32,000 doses of the vaccine.
 
Since Christmas, the Cadham Provincial Laboratory has reported 27 positive H1N1 tests to Manitoba Health including six new cases over the last week.  Since the second wave of H1N1 flu began on Oct. 6, the lab has reported a total of 1,773 positive H1N1 tests. 
 
Although the rate of hospitalizations has slowed, the virus is still circulating and continues to make Manitobans sick. More cases are expected and it is possible there will be a third wave of the H1N1 flu virus.
 
Only one-third of Manitobans have received their H1N1 flu shot and up to half of the Manitoba population may still be at risk of becoming ill or infecting others with the disease. Individuals who are not concerned about getting the H1N1 flu should still consider getting the shot to protect the people around them including family, friends and co-workers, particularly if these contacts are at greater risk for severe illness.