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Widespread influenza activity

·Cumulative Deaths in: District – 2, Ontario – 79, Canada – 250

H1N1 Vaccine Lot Withheld for Further Study

Yesterday (Nov. 19) the Public Health Agency of Canada reviewed reports of a higher than normal number of adverse events associated with one particular lot of the H1N1 flu vaccine. As a precautionary measure, this vaccine lot has been withheld from use until further analysis is done.

1,500 doses of the vaccine lot in question were distributed to Southern Ontario (Perth and Renfrew Health Units), but was not administered to anyone, and is being withheld from use until the analysis is complete. None of the H1N1 vaccine lots being withheld were distributed in the Thunder Bay District.

H1N1 Vaccine Delivery

Since the Thunder Bay District Health Unit began H1N1 vaccinations a few weeks ago, over 25,000 doses of the vaccine have been administered by Health Unit staff, and approximately the same amount has been administered to date by other health care providers.

It’s Still Important to get Vaccinated

More people have been vaccinated at this point in the flu season than any other year of the Health Unit’s universal flu immunization program. Despite this though, about 85 per cent of the population needs to have immunity to the H1N1 flu virus to stop its spread and protect others unable to build immunity. Because we do not know how many people are now immune to the H1N1 virus, the best way to prevent any resurgence of cases is for most people to be vaccinated.

In addition, there are still several months before the flu season ends. Spring is a natural barrier for flu transmission, and it’s when we see a
significant drop in flu cases. With at least four months until spring, it’s
still important to get immunized. It is especially important for children to be immunized because they are more likely than adults to spread the flu to others.

For more information visit www.ThunderBayFlu.ca