October 1, 2009: Update on seasonal flu influenza program

To: Primary care providers

From: Dr. Isra Levy, Medical Officer of Health; Dr. Merrilee Fullerton, President, Academy of Medicine Ottawa

Dear Colleagues:

Below is further information on Ottawa’s seasonal influenza vaccination program as per direction in last week’s announcement by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.

As such, there will be a three-phase approach in the delivery of influenza vaccines:

• First, the seasonal flu shot will be offered to seniors 65 years of age and older and all residents of long-term care facilities.
• Second, the pH1N1 vaccine will be offered to all Ontarians in the recommended sequence.
• Third, the seasonal flu shot will be offered to the general population.

These recommendations align well with what we anticipate will be the predominant influenza strains affecting the different population groups.

Ottawa Public Health is happy to announce that it has received its first shipment of seasonal flu vaccine this morning and distribution to vaccine providers is imminent. You will find enclosed the Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Order Form. After you have placed your vaccine order for patients 65 years and older, we will contact you when your order is ready for pick-up.

We are strongly encouraging persons 65 years and older and residents of long-term care facilities irrespective of their age, to get a seasonal flu shot this month, as per the ministry’s guidelines. All other age groups will have access to the seasonal flu vaccine this winter (February 2010) after pH1N1 vaccine.

You may have also heard through the media about new studies highlighting an association between the seasonal influenza vaccine and the increased risk of pH1N1. As such, the NACI statement has been delayed. As soon as the published studies become available, we will provide you with an update. As an alternative, you may start to vaccinate your patients who are 65 and older by referring to the product monographs of Fluviral™ and Vaxigrip™ in the interim.

Shortly, we hope to be communicating further information about Ottawa’s pandemic H1N1 vaccine distribution and the second phase of the seasonal influenza vaccine program.

Attached please find the details about the Ottawa Public Health seasonal influenza clinics.

As always, we would like to thank you for your ongoing support and collaboration in administering the seasonal influenza vaccine to your patients. If you have any questions, please call 613-580-6744, ext. 15414.