Vaccination campaign
Shot is free, voluntary, and safe according to Health Canada
Published November 4, 2009
By Silvet Ali• TLN

The l’Agence de la santé et services sociaux (ASSS) Laval is set to kick off its citywide H1N1 flu vaccination campaign beginning November 5. The campaign will be conducted on a priority basis, with health care workers, children, seniors, and pregnant women being the first eligible for the vaccination beginning the first two weeks of November to December 5.
ASSS Laval regional emergency services coordinator Yves St-Onge suggests the entire Laval population protect themselves by getting vaccinated this fall. “If not for yourself, to protect others you may come in contact with who are vulnerable,” he explained at a press conference announcing the launch of the campaign last Friday.
Flu pandemic
This will be Quebec’s biggest mass vaccination campaign against the H1N1 virus, with the second wave of the H1N1 virus hitting the province and the first fatality being reported last week of an 87 year old woman. The vaccine is 95-98 per cent effective against H1N1, but the public is still advised to take necessary precautions to avoid spreading the virus by washing hands often and covering mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. The shot is recommended as the ideal method of protection. “The vaccine is free, voluntary, and secure,” stated Direction de santé publique (DSP) Laval director Dr. Nicole Damestoy.
The vaccine will be administered through a needle in the arm with a single shot. Children under 9 years old will be administered two half-doses of the adjuvant vaccine, with a three-week interval between shots. Pregnant women are advised by the Public Health Agency of Canada to receive one dose of the vaccine without adjuvant. Children younger than 6 months cannot be vaccinated, but adults and older children surrounding the infant are eligible for priority-basis when getting vaccinated. People allergic to eggs cannot be vaccinated, because the vaccine is grown in an egg culture and those who are already sick or have a fever will be turned away.
Where and when
The vaccinations are free for all Quebec residents and will be administered seven days a week in two temporary clinics set up in the city. 2228 des Laurentides boul. at the corner of Bellerose and Autoroute 440 will be open every day from November 5 to December 5 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., except Wednesdays. From November 9 to 14 and November 22 to 28, a temporary clinic situated at 560 Justin St. at the corner of Dagenais boul. and Autoroute 13 will be accepting clients from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., but will be closed on Sundays. More detailed information will be sent to all Laval households by mail, say ASSS Laval officials.
The specific dates to get vaccinated will be done on a priority basis in the following manner: all heath care workers will be the first eligible to get vaccinated beginning October 29 to November 4. From November 5 to 14, people under 65 years old with a chronic illness, those in contact with babies under 6 months old, and pregnant women will be accepted. November 15 to 21, children 6 months to 9 years old and their immediate family and individuals with illnesses affecting the immune system can get vaccinated. November 22 to 28, young people aged 10 to 18 years old and those over 65 are eligible, and from November 29 through December 5, it will be open to the whole population.
For more information on the H1N1 virus and eligibility requirements, visit www.pandemiequebec.gouv.qc.ca or call Info-Santé at 8-1-1.