The vaccination campaign against influenza A (H1N1) began almost everywhere in Canada. If health care workers in New Brunswick were the first in the country to roll up their sleeves to get vaccinated against influenza A, last Thursday, those of other provinces will now follow in turn.

Emergency personnel and workers in services considered essential for the proper functioning of society (firefighters, police, ambulance and bus drivers) are also encouraged to to get vaccinated first. Those who are most at risk of experiencing complications will be vaccinated later.

Pregnant women and people with a weak immune system are also considered “priority.”

In all provinces,  public health anchorites  must deal with the same problem, the shortage of vaccine doses.

In Quebec, only 400 000 doses will be administered this week. In Ontario, that number climbs to 722 000. The federal government plans to send 3 million doses per week to the provinces.

H1N1 Vaccination Begins Across Canada