High Risk Groups Expanded for Immunization Clinics

The Honourable Jerome Kennedy, Minister of Health and Community Services, today announced that effective immediately the high risk group for immunization clinics has been expanded.

�As we continue to adapt to ensure that our limited vaccine supply is utilized by those who need it most, we are seeing a significant portion of our population, particularly children who fall within the high risk group, being immunized,� said Minister Kennedy.  �We have assessed our vaccine supply at this time and have now expanded the group to include parents or primary care providers of children under the age of six months and of immunocompromised children and young adults who cannot be vaccinated.�

H1N1 vaccination clinics will continue tomorrow for those identified in the revised high risk group as announced on October 30, due to a limited vaccine supply. This group includes:

• Children six months up to 59 months (up to fifth birthday)
• People five years of age up to and including 24 years of age with chronic conditions
• Pregnant women in the second half of their pregnancy (20 to 40 weeks)

In addition, beginning immediately, the following will be added to this high risk group:

• Parents or other primary care providers (up to two per child) of children under the age of six months; and of immunocompromised children and young adults (up to and including 24 years of age) who cannot themselves be vaccinated.

Again, H1N1 vaccination will be limited to the high-risk groups listed above and will be strictly enforced. Information regarding clinic times and locations is available on Regional Health Authorities� websites. Further changes to schedules can be anticipated as the situation is assessed daily.

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Media contact:
Tansy Mundon
Director of Communications
Department of Health and Community Services
709-729-1377, 685-2646
tansymundon@gov.nl.ca

2009 11 01                                                     5:00 p.m.