Manitoba is experiencing a shortage of the H1N1 flu vaccine, health officials said today. The federal government has advised all provinces there is less of the vaccine being delivered than previously anticipated. Manitoba has administered 67,078 flu shots since Monday, which include 42,594 right here in Winnipeg.
Dr. Joel Kettner (right) — Manitoba’s chief medical officer of health — says to make up for the shortfall, only those on the priority list should get the shot first. The general pubic will be advised when they can get the shot at a later date. Similar shortages of the vaccine have been reported in the U.S., but Canada felt the country wouldn’t run into the same problem.
Next week, the non-adjuvant vaccine will be available for pregnant women, which the government expects to have 8,200 available in Manitoba.
Dozens of people hoping to get the vaccine on Wednesday evening were turned away due to the overwhelming response by the public. The most popular flu clinic location seems to be Grant Park Mall, where individuals waited nearly three hours on Monday to get the shot.
The province has received 206,000 doses from the federal government so far. Clinics will run until December 4.
ChrisD.ca photo
