Ottawa –Ottawa Public Health (OPH) will resume operation of its citywide vaccination clinics on Wednesday, November 18, 2009.

"We have been working closely with the province to identify more supply of the H1N1 vaccine for this week and allow OPH to continue what has been a very successful vaccination program in Ottawa," said Dr. Isra Levy, Ottawa’s Medical Officer of Health. "The province has informed OPH that the delivery of the first portion of the 100,000 doses of the vaccine that we have requested is imminent."

When it arrives, the new delivery will also allow OPH to continue to supply its alternate vaccination delivery agents (VDAs) including local hospitals and about 100 local doctors who are offering the vaccine in their clinics. Supplying VDAs has been an important part of the strategy to provide vaccine to Ottawa residents

In accordance with provincial policy, OPH will begin vaccinating school-aged children (6 to 13 years) and seniors over 65 with chronic medical conditions, along with the five other priority groups.

Children six months to three years and children under nine with medical conditions are the only groups that require two vaccinations, with a minimum of 21 days between visits. The wait period can be longer as the first dose of the vaccine protects the child from H1N1 virus, while the second vaccination lengthens that protection.

The clinics that will be open as of Wednesday:

clinics (2:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m) except 100 Constellation.

• Orléans Client Service Centre
  255 Centrum
• Vanier Richelieu Community Centre (Note : Clinics cancelled from Nov.19 to-22), 300 Des Pères Blancs
• Tom Brown Arena
  141 Bayview
• City of Ottawa – Administration Building (5 to 9 p.m.)
  100 Constellation
• Kanata Recreation Complex
  100 Walter Baker

Roving Clinic (2:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.) Wednesday only

Fred. G. Barrett Arena
3280 Leitrim

Roving Clinic (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.) Wednesday only

Ottawa City Hall
110 Laurier Avenue West

Getting school-aged children vaccinated has been a priority, and vaccinations will be available to this group starting Wednesday. However, we still need to ensure that people in the priority groups get the vaccine if they have not already done so. And when the Province gives the mandate to vaccinate the general population, everyone who wants it to get the best defence against the H1N1 flu virus will be able to.

OPH has distributed 190,000 doses of vaccine to Ottawa residents through mass vaccination clinics, VDAs (hospitals, local doctors) and outreach clinics that target specific and at risk populations like group homes and people living in shelters. As well, other priority groups like residents of long-term care homes, firefighters and police officers have also been offered the vaccine.

For more information on preventing and treating the H1N1 flu virus, visit ottawa.ca/health or contact the Ottawa Public Health Information Line at 613-580-6744