Public Health Wants You to Add H1N1 Shot to Holiday List

Josh Pringle
Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Ottawa Public Health is encouraging residents to get the H1N1 flu shot ahead of the holiday season.

The city says there is an opportunity to spread the flu as residents visit malls, travel or gather for social events with friends and family.

Medical Officer of Health Dr. Isra Levy says the H1N1 flu shot is the "best protection" for you and your family against the H1N1 flu virus through the holiday season and into the New Year.

Public Health is reporting a decrease in the number of confirmed cases of the H1N1 flu virus over the past week. But Dr. Levy warns the virus remains in the community.

The city's mass vaccination clinics continue to operate across the City of Ottawa.

Ottawa Public Health hopes to have enough doses of the seasonal flu vaccine to offer both the seasonal flu and H1N1 flu shot at clinics by the end of the week.

Public Health said Tuesday that only 15 per cent of children have received both doses of the H1N1 flu shot.

Associate Medical Officer of Health Dr. Nadine Sicard tells CFRA News parents are encouraged to bring their children back to city clinics for a second dose of the vaccine.