Local H1N1 vaccination numbers good

When the call went out to get the H1N1 vaccination, residents of the southwest coast stepped forward.

Approximately 65 per cent of the population has received the shot since the immunization clinics began in late October, according to Dr. Greg Mercer, regional medical officer of health with Western Health.

Across the province, nearly 334,000 people have been vaccinated, which equates to over 66 per cent of the population.

Some areas within the western region saw far higher numbers, including Burgeo and Ramea. Some 72 per cent of Burgeo residents rolled up their sleeves, while more than 90 per cent of Ramea residents got the vaccine.

Overall, the southwest coast was close to the average of about 68 per cent uptake seen throughout the western region, said Dr. Mercer. That's far ahead of national averages, which remain closer to 50 per cent.

It's also ahead of the 55 to 60 per cent of people Western Health initially thought would seek the shot.

Dr. Mercer said the population demographics of the western region may have helped boost the local numbers. He said there is a high proportion of older people and individuals with underlying health concerns - groups that were both generally keen to get the vaccine.

Western Health also expanded its original distribution plans for the vaccine, said Dr. Mercer, adding that likely also helped raise the numbers.

He explained that the original pandemic plan called for about eight vaccination sites spread across the region. However, they decided to push further out into more communities, even travelling to some isolated spots like La Poile, Francois and Grey River via helicopter.

While pleased with the number of vaccinations, Dr. Mercer said it's hard to determine if the numbers are high enough to provide what's known as 'herd immunity.' When a community has a high enough number of people immune to an infectious disease, either through having had the disease or by being vaccinated, it provides some protection to those who are not immune.

Dr. Mercer said it's thought that about 85 per cent of people in a community would need to be immune for that to work. While vaccination numbers aren't that high, he said the addition of people who had H1N1 may push the percentage high enough.

However, anyone who hasn't yet received the vaccine can and is encouraged to still do so.

Dr. Mercer said there is plenty of vaccine available. He explained that each vile of vaccine has 10 does that must be used within 24 hours after opening. Because of that, he said, public health offices may try to group people who want to get the vaccine as to make best use of each vile.

Anyone interested in getting the vaccine should contact their local public health office.

editor@gulfnews.ca