H1N1 Vaccine Delivered

The federal government has shipped out the first doses of the H1N1 pandemic flu vaccine to the provinces and territories.

An unnamed official with the Public Health Agency of Canada says the decision was made to ship out the vaccines early so that local health officials would have immediate access to it once it's approved by Ottawa.

Northwestern Health Unit's Medical Officer of Health Doctor Jim Arthurs said last week he hoped H1N1 clinics in this district could be up and running within the next two weeks.

Meantime, influenza activity in Ontario was slightly higher during the week of October 4th compared to the previous week.

The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care says the rate of influenza-like illness continues to be above average for this time of year.