H1N1 (Human Swine Influenza) Vaccine Guidelines

The province's chief public health officer, Dr. Robert Strang, supports the proposed guidelines released today, Sept. 16, by the Public Health Agency of Canada on who should receive the H1N1 (human swine influenza) vaccine.

While the national approach has always been to provide vaccine for all Canadians, the Public Health Agency of Canada guidelines highlight groups that will benefit most from H1N1 immunization. These groups include people under 65 with chronic conditions, health-care workers, pregnant women and children younger than five years old.

"I am pleased to see the release of these much-needed guidelines. They are necessary to help inform our planning for immunization clinics and where to target our public messages surrounding immunization," said Dr. Strang.

Dr. Strang said Nova Scotia has ordered about 1.4 million doses of the H1N1 vaccine. At this time, the plan is to begin offering the vaccine in early November. The priority is to ensure all Nova Scotians who want or need the HINI (human swine influenza) vaccine will get it in a timely manner.

The approach taken when developing the guidelines reflects the best available scientific and technical information and current knowledge. As the understanding of the H1N1 virus and vaccine effectiveness evolves, this may change.

"Over the next few months, we fully expect to see a second wave of H1N1. The exact timing and extent of the spread and the severity of illness are difficult to predict," said Dr. Strang.

He said Nova Scotians should continue to make every effort to minimize the spread of the virus. The most important step Nova Scotians can take is stay home if they are sick with flu-like symptoms which are fever and/or cough with unusual tiredness, head/muscle/joint aches or sore throat.

People are also encouraged to take the following precautionary measures to prevent illness:

• Wash hands often with soap and water, especially after a sneeze or cough. When soap and water are not handy, alcohol-based hand sanitizers are an acceptable alternative.
• Cough and sneeze into elbow or sleeve.
• If using tissues, dispose of them appropriately and wash hands.
• Limit touching eyes, nose and mouth.
• Do not share drinking glasses, water bottles, mouth guards, cosmetics or eating utensils.
• If concerned that medical advice or care is needed, contact HealthLink 811. Like any illness, should symptoms worsen, visit a doctor or walk-in clinic.

For a complete set of the H1N1 vaccine guidelines, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada website at www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/index-eng.php .