News Release

                                                  For Immediate Release

                                                                                                                November 30, 2007

Almost 7000 People Received Influenza Vaccine at Public Health Clinics in November

Six thousand eight hundred and thirty-five people received their flu shot at thirteen Public Health walk-in clinics held throughout Grey Bruce in November. This is an increase of 1,423 compared with last year when 5,412 people were immunized at eleven clinics.

This was the first year a Public Health influenza clinic was held in Dundalk.

Two hundred and eight people received influenza vaccinations at Highpoint Community School in Dundalk, on Thursday, November 29.

“Public Health is extremely pleased that people are taking advantage of the influenza vaccine to protect themselves and others. The goal is to have healthy communities and reduce the strain on the health care system.” said Karen Sweiger, Manager Vaccine Preventable Diseases Program. Over 50,000 doses of influenza vaccine was distributed to physicians, hospitals, long-term care facilities, nursing agencies and pharmacies in Grey Bruce.

It is still not too late to receive your flu shot. Publicly funded influenza shots continue to be available by appointment at Public Health in Owen Sound and at the Plex in Port Elgin, call 519-376-9420, or at Public Health in Walkerton, call 519-881-1920.

Influenza vaccine is also available from healthcare providers, pharmacies and the VON.

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For more information:

Karen Sweiger

Program Manager

Vaccine Preventable Diseases

Grey Bruce Health Unit

519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 ext. 230