Expanded H1N1 Immunization Groups

November 13, 2009 3:15 PM

Ontario continues to expand the population groups that will be offered the H1N1 flu vaccine. Beginning the week of November 16, the H1N1 flu immunization program will be available to children 13 years old and under and seniors 65 years and older with underlying health conditions. The following chart outlines those populations in Ontario targeted for the H1N1 vaccine and where they should go to get their shot.

Target Population

Where to get the
H1N1 flu shot

Population
estimates

(75%)

BEGINNING WEEK OF OCT. 26
  •  People under 65 with chronic conditions
  •  Pregnant women
  •  Healthy children six months to under five years of age
  • People living in remote or isolated communities
  •  Health care workers
  • Household contacts and care providers of persons at high risk who cannot be immunized or may not respond to vaccine
  • Public health flu clinics
  • Hospitals
  • Long-term care homes
  • Family health care providers

2.2 million*

BEGINNING WEEK OF NOV. 9

Adults 65 years and older in health care institutions
  • Hospitals
  • Long-term care homes


100,000

First responders and frontline institutional correctional workers in adult and youth facilities
  • Public Health Clinics

47,000

BEGINNING WEEK OF NOV. 16

Children 13 years and under
  • Public health flu clinics
  • Family health care providers

1.5 million

Adults 65 years and older with chronic conditions
  • Family health care providers

750,000

* Polling suggests 50% uptake of target 4.55M population

Chronic Conditions

People with the following underlying or chronic health conditions are more at risk of developing complications from H1N1 infection if they do get sick:

  • Heart disease
  • Kidney disease
  • Asthma and chronic lung disease
  • Liver disease
  • Diabetes
  • Serious obesity
  • Diseases or treatments that affect the immune systems such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, organ transplants
  • Blood disorders
  • Neurological disorders
  • Medical conditions where people have difficulty swallowing or are at risk of choking
  • Children and adolescents' medical conditions treated for long periods with acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin®).

Dosage Recommendations

The following chart outlines the dosing recommendations for the H1N1 flu vaccine:

 Age  Group and Condition                                  Dosing Recommendation  

0 to 5 months old

H1N1 flu vaccine not authorized for this group

6 to 35 months old

2 half-doses of adjuvanted vaccine*

Healthy children 3-9 years old

1 half-dose of adjuvanted vaccine for now until scientific review is complete

Children with underlying medical conditions,
3-9 years old

2 half-doses of adjuvanted vaccine*

10-64 years old  

1 dose of vaccine**

65 years and older

1 dose of adjuvanted vaccine

* The two half doses should be given 21 days or more apart. 

** Healthy people 10-64 years old can receive either adjuvanted or unadjuvanted vaccine.


Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care
ontario.ca/health