H1N1 flu clinics now open to everyone By Tim Foran METROLAND WEST MEDIA GROUP 11 · Wednesday, November 18, 2009 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.oakvillebeaver.com The Regional Municipality of Halton Healthy adults in Halton will be able to get their H1N1 flu shot beginning today. Halton Region's health department yesterday announced it has eliminated priority lists and its clinics would begin offering the vaccine to all people over the age of six months. The Region's Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Bob Nosal, has also notified physicians' offices across the region that all residents are eligible to receive the vaccine. Physicians will also be able to offer healthy individuals between the ages of 10 and 64 the unadjuvanted form of the H1N1 vaccine, something previously reserved specifically for pregnant women, said Nosal. However, the Region's public vaccination clinic at the Halton Regional Centre in Oakville will continue to be the only clinic to offer the unadjuvanted vaccine, and it will remain available only to pregnant women. Nosal said they would be reviewing that policy in the coming days. Though it's the only thing offered in the United States, the unadjuvanted vaccine is not licensed yet by Health Canada for use in individuals under the age of 10, noted Nosal. He said the regular vaccine that contains the adjuvant, a booster that improves immune response, would continue to be administered to individuals with chronic medical conditions and people over the age of 65. Yesterday's announcement the general public is now eligible to receive their H1N1 vaccine shots is almost two weeks earlier than originally anticipated. Nosal said the decision was made following a delivery yesterday of 27,000 doses of the adjuvanted vaccine and 13,600 doses of the unadjuvanted vaccine. The delivery came just in time as the Region was down to less than 5,000 doses and did not host any clinics yesterday. The Region is re-opening four of its clinics today, but Nosal doesn't expect a massive turnout. The priority list was expanded last Thursday to include school-aged kids and seniors, but the Region's clinics only distributed about 2,000 doses of the vaccine per day from Thursday to Monday, less than half what clinic staff have the capacity to distribute. Nosal said Halton is now past the peak period of the second wave of the H1N1 virus, though there are still two to three more weeks of significant activity expected. Both absenteeism at schools and the percentage of visitors to hospital emergency rooms with an influenza-like illness are down, two indicators of community spread of the virus, he explained. NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING (Under Section 17 of the Planning Act) The Council of the Regional Municipality of Halton, through its Planning and Public Works Committee, has scheduled a Statutory Public Meeting on the Halton Regional proposed ROPA 38, pursuant to Section 17 of the Planning Act Location: Council Chambers, Halton Regional Centre ALL-INCLUSIVE MEMBERSHIP Look for our FREE Swim or Adult Work Out Pass offer in this paper! The implications of the ACTIVE KIDS PROGRAMS WHILE YOU WORK OUT! JOIN NOW! Statutory Public Meeting or proposed ROPA 38, contact Perry Vagnini, Senior Planner at 905-825-6000, ext. 7987, or toll free at 1-866-442-5866 or by email to Perry.Vagnini@halton.ca www.halton.ca Note: 905-845-3417 410 Rebecca St., Oakville, ON L6K 1K7 E-mail: customerservice@oakville.ymca.ca proposed ROPA 38 is adopted by Regional Council, the person or public body is not entitled to appeal the decision by the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Unique Cabinet Concepts DON'T BE FOOLED BY IMITATORS -WE'RE TRULY UNIQUE!! Manufacturers of fine custom cabinetry since 1976 38 is adopted, the person or public body may not be added as a party to the hearing · KITCHENS · BATHROOMS · WALL UNITS · BEDROOMS AND MORE We proudly offer a Lifetime Warranty on all of our cabinetry. Free Kitchen Installation There is still time to take advantage of the Home Renovation Tax Credit and if you purchase your new kitchen by the end of the year, basic installation will be included at no extra cost. Valid on new contracts only. Offer expires Dec. 31/09 Our qualified designers are waiting to show you the room of your dreams! 4150 South Service Road Between Walkers & Appleby Line in Burlington We are conveniently located at Susan Lathan, Regional Clerk The Regional Municipality of Halton www.uniquecabinetconcepts.com 905-632-0029 181109 We now offer affordable Financing. (O.A.C. see us for details)