News Release                             For Immediate Release

                                                                                                                      October 2, 2006

Delay in Influenza Vaccine

The influenza vaccine is expected to arrive early to mid-November. The Grey Bruce Health Unit’s first drop-in community clinic is scheduled for Thursday, November 16 at the Royal Canadian Legion in Owen Sound, from 1:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. See the attached list of all other community clinics, which are all drop-in clinics, operating from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. No appointments are necessary.

Flu vaccine manufacturers report problems growing one of the strains, A/Wisconsin, included in this season’s flu shot. There is a delay in the availability of the vaccine, not a vaccine shortage.

The Health Unit receives the flu vaccine from the Ontario Government Pharmacy and distributes it to local long-term care facilities, hospitals and physicians for their high-risk residents/patients to receive first. These individuals are at greater risk of influenza-related complications.

Workplaces, pharmacies and nursing agencies are planning flu clinics November 27 or later.

Once the vaccine becomes available, free flu shots will also be offered from Public Health by appointment:

Owen Sound office or at the Plex in Port Elgin: 519-376-9420

Walkerton office: 519-881-1920

Please contact the Grey Bruce Health Unit at 519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 for more information.

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Attachments: 2006 Community Flu Clinic Schedule

For more information:

Karen Sweiger

Program Manager

Vaccine Preventable Disease

Grey Bruce Health Unit

519-376-9420 ext. 230