11/2/2009
Health officials are hoping to give swine flu vaccinations to 2.2 million high-risk Ontarians by the end of the week. During an update Monday, Provincial Health Minister Deb Mathews said more than two-thousand doctor’s offices, family health teams and community health centers would be offering the vaccine as well. She said wait times at various clinics across the province had been reduced, and in some cases, there was no wait at all; a far cry from last week when people started lining up very early in the morning in hopes of getting a shot.
Although full details weren’t released, Ontario's chief medical officer of health, Dr. Arlene King talked about twenty flu assessment centers being opened in some communities to help relieve the pressure on doctors' offices. She says that would allow people with cough and fever to get medical advice to determine if they should go home and rest, or go to a doctor or hospital. Dr. King admitted things didn’t go smoothly last week, but measures were being taken to ensure a smooth process. She's urged the public to remain calm and be patient; vaccines would be available for everyone who wants one.
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