UPDATE: H1N1 vaccine clinics to reopen Wednesday

Councillors were informed the city is expecting to have enough H1N1 vaccines on hand to reopen clinics mid-week.

The clinics have been closed since Friday, after supplies of the vaccine ran short. The city hopes to receive 100,000 doses this week.

“We have been working closely with the province to identify more supply of the H1N1 vaccine for this week and allow (Ottawa Public Health) to continue what has been a very successful vaccination program in Ottawa,” said Dr. Isra Levy, Ottawa’s medical officer of health. “The province has informed (the city) that the delivery of the first portion of the 100,000 doses of the vaccine that we have requested is imminent.”

That means the clinic at the Orléans Client Service Centre will open Wednesday, Nov. 18 from 2:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The vaccine priority list will also be extended to include elementary school aged children (six to 13 years old) and those over 65 with chronic medical conditions.

Ottawa Public Health has distributed 190,000 doses of vaccine to Ottawa residents through mass vaccination clinics, hospitals, local doctors and outreach clinics that target specific and at risk populations. As well, other priority groups like residents of long-term care homes, firefighters and police officers have also been offered the vaccine.

For more information on preventing and treating the H1N1 flu virus, visit ottawa.ca or contact the Ottawa Public Health Information Line at 613-580-6744.