Beginning the week of November 16, Ontario will expand its H1N1 immunization program to children 13 years old and under and adults 65 years and older with underlying health conditions.  

Ontario will have another 470,000 doses of adjuvanted vaccine for distribution the week of November 16 and may receive an additional 272,500 doses of adjuvanted vaccine later in the week. Along with 375,000 doses of unadjuvanted vaccine received this week, this additional supply of vaccine allows for the expansion of the province's H1N1 immunization program.  

Children have high rates of H1N1 illness.  A proportion of all those who become ill, even those without underlying conditions, will suffer some severe complications. Vaccination of this group may reduce transmission to the broader population if high enough coverage rates are achieved.

Adults 65 years and older seem to have more protection against getting H1N1 flu than the general public but those with underlying health conditions are more vulnerable to serious complications and death if they do contract the disease.

Children 13 years old and under will be offered the vaccine through public health units and in many offices of family health care providers.  Seniors with underlying health conditions should contact their family health care provider to access the vaccine.