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11/3/2009
Even after revisions to the province's H1N1 vaccination program were announced Tuesday, opposition calls continued for Health Minister Ron Liepert's resignation.
Liberal leader David Swann has been calling for Liepert to resign since the weekend, when it was learned the province was putting a stop to open immunization clinics that had been in effect since the start of last week.
While Liepert responded Monday that he had no intention of stepping down, Premier Ed Stelmach responded to the call to fire him Tuesday.
"No," Stelmach answered abruptly Tuesday morning.
Stelmach said clinics set up last week were done on the advice from professionals in the health-care field. He went on to say it became clear that a change in the program was needed, and that's what has been done.
Alberta's chief medical officer of health, Dr. Andre Corriveau, announced Tuesday afternoon the details of the new vaccination program to get immunizations to those who needed it most. Children between the ages of six months and five years will be able to get their shots starting Thursday, with clinics opening up to pregnant women Friday. People under age 65 with chronic health problems are next on the priority list, but immunization times for them won't be announced until more doses of the vaccine come available in Alberta.
Edmonton will have a sixth clinic location, starting Thursday. Commonwealth Stadium joins the pre-existing one's at Millbourne Mall, Westmount Centre, Bonnie Doon Mall, Rutherford Health Centre, and Northgate Centre.
Strathcona County Health Centre in Sherwood Park, and Grandin Mall in St. Albert are also offering clinics.(bp)
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