SE Saskatchewan -
The Saskatchewan Ministry of Health recently released new H1N1 pandemic flu vaccination figures. Overall, almost half of Saskatchewan's off-reserve population had been immunized as of January 5, 2010.
The new numbers show that there's little gender differentiation among children receiving the vaccination: about 63 per cent of the under-five set; 69 per cent aged five to 10 and 47 percent of the ten to 19 age group.
However among young adults, gender makes a difference. Thirty-nine percent of young women have been inoculated, but only 22 percent of young men (20-34 years). From 35 to 64 years, 49 percent of women and 37 percent of men have been immunized. The numbers even out again among seniors at 56 percent.
According to chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Moira McKinnon: "While seven out of 10 primary school children are vaccinated, only two of 10 young adult males are...an age group that has been shown to be vulnerable to serious disease." With everyone back at school and work after the holidays "there is an increased risk of a potential third wave of illness," she said.
As of mid-January, about 4,000 people were being vaccinated each week. Clinics have concluded in most regions, but flu shots are still available by appointment. Visit http://www.health.gov.sk.ca/flu for further information.
