NEWS

Influenza A(H1N1) – Vaccine surveillance report – Adverse Events following immunization  — February 5, 2010

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has issued a vaccine surveillance report for influenza A(H1N1) and adverse events following immunization. According to the PHAC, the existing surveillance system and these additional projects will help it monitor adverse events following immunization, detect any possible signals of concern and determine which, if any, are possibly linked to vaccine. Read the entire report.

Influenza A(H1N1) – The World Health Organization addresses allegations of conflict of interest and “fake” pandemic  — February 5, 2010

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a statement to the effect that it takes allegations of conflict of interest seriously and is confident of its decision-making independence regarding the pandemic influenza. It has also provided the scientific rationale that led it to declare a state of pandemic on June 11, 2009. Read the statement.

Influenza A(H1N1) — The vaccination campaign and other control measures have been effective  — January 28, 2010

According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, the influenza A(H1N1) vaccination campaign and other infection control measures have been effective and have helped check the pandemic’s second wave. Nation-wide, approximately 45% of Canadians rolled up their sleeves and got vaccinated to protect themselves and their families against this illness. It is important to remember, however, that both the A(H1N1) and seasonal flu viruses continue to spread in certain communities. The flu virus is unpredictable and, despite our best efforts, a third wave of influenza A(H1N1) could occur along with an outbreak of the seasonal flu. For more information.

Influenza A(H1N1) – Influenza A(H1N1) vaccine does not offer protection against the seasonal flu  — January 21, 2010

After an intensive influenza A(H1N1) vaccination period, the seasonal flu vaccine is now available. Although you may now have been vaccinated against influenza A(H1N1) and are now immune, you can still catch the seasonal flu! The seasonal flu vaccine differs from the pandemic influenza A(H1N1) vaccine in that it contains the three strains most likely to circulate this winter, while the pandemic vaccine offers protection only against the influenza A(H1N1) virus, which has been circulating since spring 2009. For more information on the seasonal vaccine, go to the Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux website.

Influenza A(H1N1) – Pregnant workers: end of the 2nd influenza A(H1N1) wave  — January 18, 2010

On January 7, 2010, the National Director of Public Health announced that the influenza A(H1N1) epidemic had ended in Québec. Consequently, he terminated application of the recommendations made in 2009 under the Preventive withdrawal program and indicated that pregnant workers must go back to work. As a result, the CSST has drawn up transitional measures for these workers. For more information on these new measures, go to the CSST website (available only in French).