Flu clinic has people lined up outside the door

The flu clinic wasn’t scheduled to start until 5 p.m., but by 4:30 p.m. the lineup was already out of the doorway.

Among those patiently waiting was Marc Phillips, who said he attended the clinic for H1N1 flu shot “because I have a chronic illness, I’m diabetic.”

Also in line was said Rodney Peck. “We do it every year, we’re seniors,” he said

Jackie Gillis, a mother of two, said her family gets a seasonal flu shot every year. “Why risk it?”

Tiffany Kenney waited for a shot in Bear River as well because she is pregnant and wants to protect the baby, along with her young child.

South West District Health Authority communications director Fraser Mooney said people are scrambling for more information regarding the H1N1 vaccine. “I think now we’re seeing more H1N1 activity in the province and an increase in influenza-like illness in the population, more are calling their doctors and calling public health,” he said.

He recommends those in high risk groups get an H1N1 shot as soon as possible. High-risk groups include people over 65 years of age, pregnant women, those with chronic conditions, and children aged six months to five years.

Those in a high-risk group can also receive a seasonal flu shot at the same time, he said.

Mooney said there is plenty of vaccine for everyone, and it is safe and effective for all age groups. “We think we’re pretty well prepared but people should be a little prepared to wait in a lineup.”

He recommends people bring their health card, dress warmly, and take snacks, drinks and activities for children.

Over 20 free community H1N1 flu shot clinics will be held across the Tri-County area over the next month, said Mooney.

The next flu clinics at the Bear River Area Health Clinic take place Nov. 12 and Nov. 26.

H1N1 and seasonal flue shot clinic will also take place in the following locations: • Digby Curling Centre on Nov. 9 from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., and Nov. 10 from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. • Weymouth Legion on Nov. 23 from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. • Freeport Legion on Nov. 25 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. • Saulnierville Legion on Nov. 5 from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., and Dec. 1 from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Anyone with a cough and fever or common flu symptoms is asked not to visit a flu shot clinic. “Talk to your family doctor about getting the shot, they might be able to provide that for you,” added Mooney.

People can call 811 to find out the nearest H1N1 vaccination clinic or visit www.gov.ns.ca/H1N1 for more information. ldelong@digbycourier.ca