On Parliament Hill

On an issue as important as H1N1, it’s important to separate fact from fiction. Unfortunately, a lot of misinformation is being spread in a desperate attempt to politicize the H1N1 preparedness efforts of the federal and provincial governments.

The H1N1 flu virus is a respiratory illness that affects the nose, throat and lungs.  It is a new strain of pandemic influenza which is different than the seasonal flu.  Emerging six months ago, surveillance of its spread shows that it is affecting more young and healthy people than the regular seasonal flu, which normally affects seniors and young children. People with underlying medical conditions and pregnant women may also be at a greater risk.
 
It is important to keep in mind that different strains of influenza result in about 2,000 to 8,000 Canadian deaths a year. We must take all influenza – not just the current strain – seriously, and take measures to protect ourselves.

Over the last 3 weeks, six million doses of adjuvanted H1N1 vaccine have been delivered to the provinces and territories. That is currently more H1N1 vaccine per capita than any other country in the world.
 
Despite opposition attacks to the contrary, there will be sufficient H1N1 vaccine available in Canada for everyone who needs and wants to be immunized.  Not a single person will be left out.  But, not everyone can be immunized at the same time.

Vaccine sequencing refers to the Government of Canada advice to provinces and territories on which groups and populations will benefit most from vaccination so provinces can plan their vaccine rollouts accordingly.

This has been the start of the largest mass immunization campaign in Canadian history. Slated to start in early November, it has started ahead of schedule – on October 26th – and is expected to take 8 to 12 weeks to complete.
 
Unfortunately GlaxoSmithKline, the H1N1 vaccine supplier, overstated its delivery capabilities, as have many H1N1 vaccine manufacturers around the world. This has resulted in reduced adjuvanted vaccine availability for the week of November 2nd. Our Government continues to press GlaxoSmithKline to adhere to its delivery schedule.

We will continue to work closely with Dr. David Butler-Jones, Canada’s Chief Public Health officer, and the provinces to ensure that Canadians are protected.  That is, and remains, our number one priority.