Ontario First Nations Pandemic

To: Ontario First Nations Communities
From: First Nations Inuit Health - Ontario Region
Subject: H1N1 Update
Date: January 18, 2010

Epidemiologic Update

Influenza activity has declined in Ontario in recent weeks and fewer people are being assessed for influenza like illness. New H1N1 cases have not been reported among First Nations on reserve since mid December. Since H1N1 virus first appeared in April, there have been 323 confirmed H1N1 cases on reserve; of these, 79 were reported in wave 1 and 244 were reported in wave 2.

Table 1: Confirmed H1N1 Cases in Ontario Region

H1N1 Vaccine Roll-out

In Ontario, rollout of H1N1 vaccine began on October 26, 2009. Based on information provided by community health nurses, 34,179 people have been vaccinated with H1N1 vaccine on reserve by December 18, 2009. This does not include people who chose to receive vaccination off reserve as this information is not available.

Recommended Actions

1. Continue to emphasize importance of infection control measures
   Proper hand cleaning is the best way to guard against the flu and to limit the spread of the virus. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and throw the tissue out. Cough into the upper sleeve if you do not have a tissue. Keep common surfaces clean and disinfected with common household cleaners.
2. Get vaccinated against H1N1 and seasonal flu
   It is not too late to get vaccinated for H1N1. Please contact your health provider for an appointment if you have not been vaccinated. You can receive the seasonal flue vaccine at the same time if you wish.
3. If you have questions, contact FNIH's toll free line or email
   FNIH toll free line: 1-877-365-3623. It will operate Monday to Friday from 8:30 am - 4:30 pm EST.
   The FNIH H1N1 email address (H1N1-questions-Ont@hc-sc.gc.ca) continues to operate. Responses to email will be provided within one business day.