Labrador Grenfell Health CEO Boyd Rowe and Medical Officer Dr. Muna Ar-Rushdi rolled out Labrador-Grenfell Health's tentative mass immunization schedule last Thursday morning during a news conference held at the administration building in Happy Valley-Goose Bay. Lorie O'Halloran photo

The word from Labrador Grenfell Health is, 'everyone should get vaccinated against the H1N1 virus.'

With 36 confirmed cases of the virus, also known as the swine flu, Dr. Muna Ar-Rushdi warns in a news conference held last Thursday in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, that number is not a true reflection of the amount of cases but only the ones who've been swabbed and positively tested in the Labrador-Grenfell Health region.

CEO Boyd Rowe joined the region's medical officer of health at the news conference where both offered an update on the H1N1 presence in the region and matters related to the mass immunization program currently underway.

Dr. Ar-Rushdi assured Labrador-Grenfell Health would have enough vaccine available so all residents who wish to avail of the vaccine can do so free of charge. The supply, she explained, will come into the region in a series of shipments over the next few weeks.

Focus on containing virus

"Now that we are aware that H1N1 is here, our focus will be to move away from testing (or swabbing) and concentrating more on containing the spread of the virus," said Dr. Ar-Rushdi. "A schedule for mass immunization clinics has been developed."

The immunization began last week concentrating on health care workers and remote/isolated communities within the Labrador-Grenfell region, she explained and LGH was collaborating with the Nunatsiavut government and the Innu Nation on the mass immunization.

"I am pleased to report that we have had excellent participation in the mass immunization in Natuashish and North West River," the medical officer said of the vaccinations that took place last Wednesday. "We are hoping that, as this programs rolls out, that the residents will follow the example of the residents in those communities."

Dr. Ar-Rushdi explained the vaccine recommended for pregnant women, referred to as unadjuvanted vaccine, will be available in the coming weeks.

For those taking the vaccine, the medical officer says to bring along your MCP card, and to wear clothing that allows easy access to the upper portion of the arm.

In the meantime she shares some advice.

"We know we have H1N1 present in our region and we know that it is spreading. No matter where you live, whether H1N1 has been confirmed in your community, we all need to be diligent in our hand cleansing and respiratory practices. Health Labrador reminds residents in all communities throughout the region to clean, cover and contain. That is continue frequent hand washing, cover your cough using a tissue or the crook of your arm and to contain by staying home and resting to prevent spreading to those around you. I strongly encourage you to get the H1N1 vaccine."

Programs temporarily suspended

Labrador-Grenfell Health has been working very closely with partners and stakeholders in the process of implementing the regional pandemic plan, Boyd Rowe explained.

Part of the plan will require programs to be put on hold to give priority to pandemic prevention measures.

"A number of public health programs at Labrador Grenfell will be suspended until the completion of mass immunization clinics," Rowe said. "These services include Prenatal Education offered by Public Health, Healthy Baby Clubs, Breastfeeding Support Groups, Health Check Preschool Clinics, School Health Program- including school immunizations, International Travel Clinics, Routine Adult Immunization Programs, Routine Tuberculin Testing, Lifestyle and Blood Pressure clinics etc."

If sick, stay away

The health authority is also asking the public to refrain from visiting its facilities if they are experiencing influenza-like illness.

Rowe pointed out effective immediately limited visitation is in place at the Charles S. Curtis Memorial Hospital and the John M Gray Centre in St. Anthony. Limited visitation, he explained, means the following guidelines are in effect:

No children visitors under 14 years of age.

Only one visitor per patient or resident at a time.

Visitors must be a member of the patient or resident's immediate family.

To supply further information and updates, Labrador-Grenfell Health has an information line (1-877-896-0422) that the public is invited to call. As well people may log on to www.lghealth.ca or call the NL Health Line at 1-888-709-2929.