Canada approves A/H1N1 flu vaccine

Canada's Federal Health Department on Wednesday approved the A/H1N1 flu vaccine, clearing the way for the rollout of the shot across the country at the end of this week.

At a press conference in Ottawa, Health Minister Leona Aqlukkaqurged all population to get the vaccine, with priority going to health-care workers.

She reiterated that all Canadians can access the vaccine, since the federal government has ordered 50.4 million doses, an amount more than the 33 million population.

Two million doses of adjuvanted vaccine have already been shipped to the provinces and territories, who will administer vaccination programs through flu clinics offered by local health units.

Another 1.8 million doses of the vaccine without an adjuvant, a compound that boosts immune system response, are also on the way. These are for the pregnant women and other fragile groups.

Around three million doses are expected to be shipped to the provinces weekly after the vaccination starts.

About 4,700 people worldwide have died of H1N1 to date, including 83 deaths in Canada. Another 300 or so Canadians have required treatment in intensive care in hospital.

Source: Xinhua