Manitoba Health continues to work with regional health authorities and physicians to offer the H1N1 flu shot in regional clinics, public health offices, workplace clinics and through many doctors’ offices. As of this morning, a total of 177 doctors’ offices had ordered more than 31,000 doses of the vaccine.
Nearly 448,000 H1N1 shots have been given, representing approximately 37 per cent of Manitobans. It is estimated that one-half of Manitoba’s population is still at risk of becoming ill or infecting others with the disease. More cases are anticipated and it is possible there will be a third wave of the H1N1 flu virus, so it is still recommended that Manitobans who want to be immunized get the shot as soon as possible.
Since the spring, Manitoba Health has reported the deaths of 11 people who had a positive lab test for H1N1. Of these, about one-third were of Aboriginal ancestry and one-third were Caucasian. About one-third of all individuals reported having a lung disease (including asthma) and another third had no underlying risk factors for severe illness. Of all deaths, four were aged 40 to 49, two were aged 30 to 39, two were 60 or older, one was aged 50 to 59, one was aged 20 to 29 and one was aged six months to three years.
Twenty-two Manitobans with a positive lab test for H1N1 have been admitted to intensive case units (ICU) since the second wave began, according to reports provided to Manitoba Health. Of these, 18 (81 per cent) were aged 18 to 64, three (13 per cent) were under the age of 18 and one (five per cent) was 65 or older. Two were from First Nations communities. About 40 per cent of the Manitobans admitted to ICU in the second wave reported obesity as an underlying health condition. Other commonly reported conditions included asthma (36 per cent) and diabetes (23 per cent).
A total of 160 Manitobans have been hospitalized with a positive lab test for H1N1 since the second wave began. Of these, 103 (64 per cent) were aged 18 to 64, 48 (30 percent) were under the age of 18 and nine (six per cent) were 65 or older. Statistics about hospitalization may change over time as more information is collected by Manitoba Health.
During the week of Jan. 19 to 25, Cadham Provincial Laboratory reported no new positive H1N1 tests to Manitoba Health. Since the second wave of H1N1 flu began on Oct. 6, the lab has reported a total of 1,773 positive H1N1 tests.
As of Jan. 23, Manitoba has reported 13 serious adverse events following immunization to the Public Health Agency of Canada. A total of 563 adverse events have been reported, varying from mild (reaction at the injection site or headache) to more severe reactions (anaphylaxis). It is important to note these adverse events have followed immunization but may not necessarily have been caused by immunization. Serious adverse events are investigated to determine the cause.
