Eastern Health has expanded its immunization clinics as of today, Friday, for those people who are most at risk of experiencing complications if they contract H1N1 influenza.

Beginning at 12 noon today, one such clinic will be offered for Burin Peninsula residents in the Dodge Building in Salt Pond, Burin. It will continue throughout the weekend while the demand is there.

Hours of operation are 12 noon to 8 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Eastern Health has determined the high risk groups, which have been outlined by national experts, to include:

• Individuals under 65 with chronic health conditions;

• Individuals living in remote and isolated settings or communities;

• Children six months up to five years of age;

• Health care workers involved in pandemic response or the delivery of essential care services;

• Pregnant women;

• Household contacts and caregivers of persons at high risk who cannot be immunized or may not respond to vaccines and populations otherwise identified as high risk.

Individuals who fall into one of the above categories are encouraged to get their vaccine early. Children who fit in one of the high risk categories should attend immunization with their parents or guardian.

Anyone who does not fall under one of the high risk categories listed above are asked to respect the need for these high risk individuals to be immunized first.

Eastern Health will begin rolling out its H1N1 mass immunization program Monday, Nov. 2.

When coming to clinics individuals are reminded to:

• Bring your MCP card if you have one

• Wear clothing that allows easy access to the upper arm

Be prepared:

• For some traffic congestion at larger sites – consider carpooling where possible or arrange to be dropped off.

• For a possible wait before getting your immunization, wait times are expected to be longer during the first few days clinics are offered.

• To wait the standard 15 minutes after you receive the vaccine.

Burin Peninsula clinics will be hosted in school gymnasiums at Marystown Central High, St. Lawrence Academy, John Burke High School in Grand Bank and Christ the King School in Rushoon with various dates scheduled for each location.

School parking lots will not be accessible at the end of each school day in order for children to exit the school safely.

Children under 10 years of age will require a second dose of H1N1 Vaccine. Information regarding follow-up dose will be made available at the time of immunization.

Further information from Eastern Health through its website ‘www.easternhealth.ca’, or call the Healthline at 1-888-709-2929 for updates.

Questions and/or concerns are also being fielded at 1-877-752-4358.