Changes to Campus H1N1 and Seasonal Flu Clinics
October 30, 2009 - Campus Bulletin
Late Friday, the Chief Medical Officer of Ontario, Dr. Arlene King, announced the suspension of the rollout of the H1N1 flu shots to the general public due to a shortage of the vaccine. She stated that only those at higher risk of developing complications from the virus will be vaccinated next week.
As a result, the Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health Unit has asked the University to restrict its flu clinic scheduled for Monday to high-risk faculty, staff and students. As per the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, those deemed high risk are:
- People under 65 with chronic conditions;
- Pregnant women;
- Healthy children 6 months to under five years of age;
- People living in remote or isolated communities;
- Health care workers; and
- Household contacts and care providers of high-risk persons who cannot be immunized or may not respond to vaccines.
In addition, the Guelph Public Health has added Aboriginal people to the list.
The University will hold a clinic Monday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Powell Building for people who meet these criteria. People will be seen on a first-come, first-served basis. It’s not yet known if the University will hold other previously scheduled clinics; it will depend on the availability of the vaccine.
Continue to check the H1N1 Info link on the University's home page for further information.
More information on the decision to restrict the rollout of the vaccine can be found on the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care website.
Up-to-date information on clinics in Guelph can be found at the Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health website.
