News and event information for Williams Lake, BC - as it happens.

The Interior Health flu clinics for both H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccine are underway and as predicted, they are attracting a lot of people wanting to get their shots to help protect them against the H1N1 or seasonal flu.

People started lining up outside clinic locations in all three communities—Creston, Vernon, and 100 Mile House, well before the doors opened.

 “The line up at one of our sites in Vernon is very long, some people are waiting up to three hours to receive their vaccination”, says Kristine Larsen, Community Manager for Prevention Services, North Okanagan. “We anticipated the demand would be high and the majority of people waiting seem to be patient and respectful about having to wait. I am encouraged that most of the people showing up seem to fit the eligibility criteria and we have not had too many problems with the few we’ve asked to return to a future clinic.”

The nurses, staff, and volunteers at the clinics are working very hard to vaccinate as many people as they can with the supply of vaccine they currently have.

In Creston and 100 Mile House, the line-ups have been shorter and clients are being vaccinated without having to wait too long. However, at both locations, people have had to deal with snowy conditions.

Interior Health would like to remind people that only those at high risk (see below criteria) are eligible this week and next week for the H1N1 flu vaccine.

Also, please attend the clinics in your community area only, as vaccine amount has been allotted to communities based on their populations and expected demand.

Eligible Groups:

In keeping with Provincial recommendations, people are reminded that the following priority groups will receive their H1N1 vaccinations first: 

·          Pregnant women in the second half of pregnancy

·          Persons under age 65 with chronic conditions

·          Children 6 months – 59 months of age (less than 5 years old)

·          Household contacts and care providers of infants less than 6 months of age

·          Household contacts and care providers of persons who are immunocompromised

·          Persons residing in rural and remote communities

·          Health care workers. 

*  The seasonal flu shot is being provided at the same time to those 65 years and older and those at risk of health complications from the flu.

 To Find the Clinic Nearest You:

Details about the current and next week’s clinics nearest you will be updated every Wednesday on the Interior Health website. You can also find information: 

·          Flu Clinic Locator at www.interiorhealth.ca or www.immunizebc.ca

·          HealthLink BC, dial 8-1-1, available 24 hours a day

·          Your local Public Health Centre 

Both H1N1 and seasonal influenza vaccines are also available from many physicians and walk-in clinics, and in the coming weeks from some pharmacies.

| More...