Priority groups expanded for H1N1 vaccine

Health and Community Services minister Jerome Kennedyannounced today that the priority groups to receive the H1N1 vaccine will be further expanded effective November 5, following the arrival of the province's next shipment of adjuvanted vaccine this week.

"We estimate that there are approximately 100,000 people between 25 and 65 years of age with chronic conditions, representing about 20 per cent of the population," said Minister Kennedy. "We simply don't have enough vaccine to offer it to all of these individuals at this time. We are trying to balance the limited vaccine supply versus the needs of the public. Therefore, we have expanded the priority groups based on a balance of the best medical evidence before us, ethical considerations and the expectations of the public."

The following groups will be added to the priority groups for H1N1 vaccination beginning on Thursday, November 5. These new groups include:

Hospital in-patients less than 65 years of age with one or more chronic health conditions;
Expansion of school-aged children from Kindergarten to Grade three;
Individuals between the ages of 25 and up to, but not including, 40 with chronic respiratory disease such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or cystic fibrosis. Eligibility will require proof of active treatment of the disease (e.g. Prescription, labeled medication, insurance forms, etc.); and,
Individuals undergoing active cancer treatment (chemotherapy or radiation) and transplant patients (including pre-transplant patients on a wait list and directed by their physician to receive the vaccine and post transplant patients in the last two years).

If individuals who fit in the above categories are unable to be vaccinated due to the limited supply this week, they will be prioritized for vaccination following next week's vaccine shipment.

Individuals with questions regarding documentation required to prove eligibility of chronic illness should call their local RHA at the numbers listed as follows:
Eastern Health 1-877-752-4358
Central Health 1-877-311-2613
Western Health 1-877- 632-H1N1(4161)
Labrador-Grenfell Health 1-877-896-0422

For a list of previous high risk groups, please visit the November 2 news release (http://www.releases.gov.nl.ca/releases/2009/health/1102n12.htm).

This process is also separate from the delivery of unadjuvanted vaccine being offered to women in the first half of their pregnancy. These individuals have been asked to contact their RHA for an appointment to receive the vaccine.

"I continue to ask for the cooperation and patience of the public as we address the limited availability of vaccine at this time," said Minister Kennedy. "I reiterate that there will eventually be enough vaccine for everyone in the province who wants it."

The province's next supply of adjuvanted vaccine is expected on November 11.