H1N1 & Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Update
October 5, 2009

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The Ontario Medical Association recently provided an update to physicians on the delivery of the seasonal flu and H1N1 vaccines. Medcan's physician team has received many questions about the timing and delivery protocol of both vaccines so we thought it would be helpful to pass this information along to our clients.

Seasonal Flu Vaccine Phase 1

In October, the seasonal flu vaccine will be made available only for those 65 and older and residents of long-term care homes. No other high-risk groups will be included in the October program. Studies show that seniors are most at risk of serious complications, hospitalization and even death from infection with seasonal flu. On the other hand, data shows that infection from the pandemic H1N1 virus does not typically occur in persons over age 60, probably as a result of residual immunity from exposure to H1N1 prior to 1957.

Other population groups are encouraged to delay immunization from the seasonal flu because some Canadian studies suggest a potential association between prior seasonal influenza vaccination and the risk of acquiring H1N1 infection. Although these studies are still undergoing further analysis the Ontario Medical Association is recommending that those who are neither over 65 years old nor residing in long-term care homes get immunized against the H1N1 flu virus first, followed by the seasonal flu vaccination.

H1N1 Vaccine Phase 1

In November, it is expected that the H1N1 vaccine will be made available to priority patients as identified by Health Canada: those under 65 with chronic conditions; pregnant women; those in remote communities; children aged 6 months to 5 years; health-care workers involved in pandemic response or delivery of essential health services; household contacts/care providers of infants younger than six months; and, those who are immunocompromised.

It has not been determined whether the H1N1 vaccine will require one or two administrations.

H1N1 Vaccine Phase 2

Once delivery quantities of the H1N1 vaccine increase, it is the Ministry of Health's intention that the vaccine will be made available to all patients who want it.

Seasonal Flu Vaccine Phase 2

Once the H1N1 vaccine has been delivered (December or January), seasonal flu immunizations will be resumed for all patients.

Additional information about Influenza A (H1N1) can be found on our Influenza A (H1N1) Frequently Asked Questions page.

Please be assured that it continues to be business as usual at Medcan. If you believe that you are at higher risk for influenza A (H1N1) due to symptoms or exposure to confirmed influenza A (H1N1) geographies around the world, please contact us at bookings@medcan.com or
416-350-5900.

The best sources for up-to-date information on the Human Influenza A (H1N1) are:

U.S. Centre for Disease Control (CDC): http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/ & http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/swineflu_you.htm.

World Health Organization (WHO): http://www.who.int/en.

Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC): http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/alert-alerte/swine_200904-eng.php.

The following link provides a current global view of H1N1 cases.

The World Health Organization is not recommending travel restrictions except that individuals who are ill should delay travel plans (i.e. avoid infecting others). Travellers who fall ill should seek appropriate medical care.

Respiratory illness etiquette is very important and as such we have included two relevant links:

Health Canada - Proper Hand Washing: http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/alert-alerte/h1n1/public/handtech-eng.php

Toronto Public Health Cover Your Cough: http://www.toronto.ca/health/pdf/sleeve_sneeze_cover_cough.pdf .

Interview with Medcan's Director of Global Health, Dr. Kevin Kain

Medcan's Director of Global Health, Dr. Kevin Kain answers questions about Influenza A (H1N1) ("swine flu") that is spreading globally. Click on the podcast for his expert opinion on the virus outbreak and learn more about symptoms, treatment and prevention.

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