Seasonal flu shots added at H1N1 clinics
December 4, 2009
THESTAR.COM STAFF
Starting Saturday, temporary clinics set up to deliver H1N1 vaccines will also offer the seasonal flu vaccine to Toronto residents.
The city plans to close the eight temporary clinics after Sunday, Dec. 13. However, both shots will continue to be available at doctors' offices and health clinics.
H1N1 flu activity far outstrips normal flu activity seen at this time of year, according to Dr. Barbara Yaffe, director of communicable disease control for Toronto Public Health.
However, that doesn't mean the seasonal flu can't come on strong in the coming months.
"Flu season usually continues to April or May. Other strains of influenza may circulate in Toronto even as H1N1 continues," Joffe said in a release.
By the time the temporary clinics close, they will have given the H1N1 vaccine to 200,000 city residents, according to Toronto Public Health.
Another million doses have been distributed to medical professionals.
Joffe said that the group most affected by H1N1, according to emergency room admissions, has been children under 5 years of age.
thestar.com
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