The push is now on to get post-secondary students vaccinated against the H1N1 flu.
The Grey Bruce Health Unit is reminding students to make a flu shot appointment as they arrive home for the holidays.
Medical Officer of Health Dr. Hazel Lynn says it’s easy for illness to spread quickly through students living closely together in dorms.
Dr. Lynn says she knows McMaster University in Hamilton did see a large H1N1 outbreak.
So if students haven’t already been sick or vaccinated – Dr. Lynn really recommends they get the shot.
Dr. Lynn says provincially there are still people testing positive for H1N1, while in Grey Bruce there hasn’t been a confirmed case in weeks and there isn’t a lot of flu-like illness at all right now.
However, she says she’s waiting to see what happens in the new year – especially in February which is the typical flu season.
Dr. Lynn reminds everyone that the Health Unit is no longer holding public flu clinics and only offering the H1N1 and seasonal flu shots by appointment.
She says she’s very pleased with the response to the system and says the appointments are busy.
Dr. Lynn says with people coming into town for the holidays it’s easy to make an appointment for a set time and know you can be in and out.
Dr. Lynn figures close to 40 per cent of the Grey Bruce population has now been immunized and she believes the appointments will catch the rest of those who want the shots.
Appointments are available over the next few weeks in Owen Sound, Walkerton, and Port Elgin for anyone 6 months and older.
A full list of available dates can be found online on the Health Unit’s website at www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca