H1N1 Flu Vaccine Approved

Canadians can soon start rolling up their sleeves for their H1N1 flu shots.

Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq says the vaccine has been approved for use in Canada.

Even though clinical trials are still under way in this country, Canadian authorities are relying on data from European clinical trials to give the vaccine the green light.

Provinces and territories already have two million doses.

Health Minister Deb Matthews says Ontario will start rolling out its pandemic vaccines ahead of schedule next week.

She says clinics will be open a week early to give the swine flu shot to priority groups now that Ottawa has approved the vaccine.

But the H1N1 shot intended for pregnant women is not expected to be available for two more weeks.

Ontario health officials have said the vaccine will be offered first to adults with chronic conditions, health-care workers, people living in remote and isolated communities, pregnant women and children six months to five years of age.