H1N1 vaccine available in Sandy Lake

  • Posted on: 29 October 2009
  • By: admin
H1N1 vaccinations are now available to residents of Sandy Lake.

Sandy Lake is receiving a total of 1300 vaccines to be distributed to residents of the community.  More will be available if needed.

Some infants, prenatals and frontline workers were the first to get the vaccine today.  The Sandy Lake Health Authority is recommending that anyone traveling through Sioux Lookout get the vaccine.  The clinic will be open on Saturday from 12 noon to 4pm for travelers.

A vaccine clinic will be open at the elementary school from November 2nd to Friday November 6th.  Click here to view the vaccine clinic schedule.

Similar to the seasonal flu shot, the H1N1 vaccine can protect individuals from the H1N1 flu virus.  The Health Authority is cautioning anyone who was treated with Tamiflu in June 2009 that they are not protected from H1N1 and should protect themselves with the vaccine.  Also, anyone who was tested positive for H1N1 in June 2009 doesn't need to get the vaccine.

The Health Authority also recommends that babies under 6 months of age and prenatals who are more than 20 weeks pregnant get the vaccine.

In June of 2009, an H1N1 outbreak was declared in Sandy Lake after more than 11 cases of the flu were confirmed to be that of H1N1.  During the outbreak, the Sandy Lake nursing station treated more than 200 people with Tamiflu for Influenza-Like Illnesses (ILI).

Anticipating a second wave of the H1N1 virus during this fall season, Sandy Lake is using the H1N1 vaccine as part of its preventative measures.

For more information about the H1N1 virus and vaccine, please contact the Sandy Lake nursing station at 807-774-3461 or visit these websites:

Public Health Agency of Canada (Frequently Asked Questions about H1N1)

Ontario First Nations Pandemic

Ministry of Health and Long Term Care - Getting your flu shots


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