H1N1 Vaccine Supply
Manitoba Health advises the province received 70,000 doses of vaccine with adjuvant this week. This vaccine has been distributed to the regional health authorities (RHAs).
Manitoba has been advised that it will receive 79,000 doses of vaccine with adjuvant next week. As of Nov. 18, Manitoba had received and distributed a total of 379,100 doses of vaccine. At the end of the day Tuesday, nearly 257,000 shots had been given by regional health authorities.
H1N1 Flu Shots
The H1N1 flu shot is now available to all Manitobans. RHAs are adapting their clinics based on the supply and demand for vaccine, reaching the priority groups and other geographic and population realities of each RHA. Manitobans are encouraged to contact their RHA for up-to-date flu clinic information.
As of Nov. 16 in Manitoba, there have been seven serious adverse events following immunization, which have been reported to the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC). Five of the serious adverse events have been confirmed as anaphylaxis, a serious and immediate allergic reaction to the vaccine. A total of 88 adverse events have been reported.
At this time, two deaths are being investigated of people who died within seven days of receiving the H1N1 flu shot. Both individuals were adults between the ages of 18 and 64. Early indications are the immunizations were not likely the cause of death in either case and the investigations are continuing.
Manitoba will be following PHAC’s vaccine dosage recommendations for children, which were announced last week:
• Children between six months of age and under three years of age should receive two half doses of H1N1 flu vaccine with adjuvant, administered at least 21 days apart.
• Children with chronic health conditions who are between three and nine years of age should receive their first half dose of the H1N1 flu vaccine as soon as possible. They should also receive a second half dose of the vaccine. The interval between the two half doses should be a minimum of 21 days.
• Healthy children between three and nine years of age should only receive a single half dose of the H1N1 vaccine and do not need to return for a second vaccine for now. This recommendation may be updated as more information becomes available.
H1N1 Flu
Manitoba Health is reporting the death of an adult between the age of 18 and 65 who was confirmed to have H1N1 influenza with no known underlying conditions. This is the second death associated with lab-confirmed H1N1 in the second wave of the virus. There were seven deaths in the first wave associated with lab-confirmed H1N1.
During the week of Nov. 10 to 16, Manitoba Health reported 251 additional lab-confirmed cases of H1N1 bringing to 543 the total number of known cases confirmed since Oct. 6 when the second wave of H1N1 flu began. Lab-confirmed cases do not reflect the actual number of people with the illness, nor do the numbers indicate the seriousness of disease any individual may experience.
Additional measures to help prevent flu infections:
• Cover your cough by coughing into your elbow or sleeve or use a tissue to cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing. Place the tissue in the garbage.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Hand sanitizers may also be effective.
• Reduce the spread of germs. Limit touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Maintain your health by making healthy food choices, being physically active and getting enough sleep.
Manitobans are reminded to watch for signs of severe illness. If you or a family member has any of the following symptoms, go directly to an emergency room, nursing station or health-care provider or call 911:
• shortness of breath or difficulty breathing,
• severe or worsening symptoms,
• dehydration,
• drowsiness or confusion,
• fever in an infant under three months old, and
• any signs of serious illness in a child under five years of age.
Manitobans are encouraged to contact their nearest health-care provider or visit the nearest health-care centre if they have flu symptoms and risks for severe illness or are concerned they may need care, especially if symptoms are severe or worsening. Early treatment (within 24 to 48 hours) may be very important.
More information on H1N1 flu is available at www.manitoba.ca/flu or Health Links–Info Santé at 788-8200 or 1-888-315-9257 (toll-free).
