Vaccinations resume

CHRIS SIMNETT
AHS Communications

Stephanie Savage left Olympic Oval with a smile on her face and an inoculated child by her side.

The Calgary mother is one of thousands of Albertans who attended H1N1 vaccination clinics Nov. 5 when Alberta Health Services began targeted immunization of high-risk groups.

All provincial clinics were open to children aged six months (at the time of vaccination) to under five years of age (as of Nov. 1, 2009).

Starting Nov. 6, pregnant women also become eligible to receive the vaccine. Proof of age (Health Care Card or birth certificate) must be provided.

More high-risk groups will be vaccinated as more vaccine becomes available, followed by the general public. Get the most current information on the staged vaccination campaign, including clinics dates and high-risk groups eligible for vaccination.

Savage said new line management strategies made for a pleasant experience.

"It was well set up, well organized and everything flowed quickly," said Savage.

"This was better than I expected."

Various line management strategies, including the distribution of wristbands, allowed clinic visitors to 'take a number' and return at a later time to get the vaccine, preventing lengthy waits in line. Some sites reported little or no lineups at the Nov. 5 clinics.

In Grande Prairie, Brenda Philpott brought her two-year-old daughter, Katherine-Anne Philpott, to a local clinic receive her immunizations. No wait was required.

"Today was quick," she said. "All we had to do was fill out the paperwork and we didn't even have a chance to stand in line - they took us right in to a clinic room to get the immunization."

The mood at clinics across the province reflected these positive experiences.

Sharon Myck, a Public Health nursing manager in southern Alberta, attended clinics in Raymond and Milk River, 35 km and 85 km southeast of Lethbridge, respectively.

"They were well organized," said Myck.

"Raymond started with a small rush and then tapered off, so people were able to come in right away (and get their vaccination) after filling out their paperwork.

"As well, the public was happy to have a clinic in their rural communities and didn't have to travel to Lethbridge." Helen Dutchak, manager of the Olympic Oval clinic, said staff were thrilled with the response they received from the people they vaccinated.

"The staff want to give their thanks to the people for making this such a pleasant experience," she said. "People have been exceptional today and our staff is very grateful."