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People erring on the side of caution
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Mary-Anne Payne, left, a registered nurse, gives Morgan L’Hirondelle his flu vaccination at the High Prairie Health Complex Oct. 26.
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Mac Olsen
for South Peace News
The vaccination clinic at the High Prairie Health Complex was busy Oct. 28, as people sought the influenza and H1N1 vaccinations.
The H1N1 vaccination was offered on a first come, first served basis.
Pastor Pat Duffin of the Christian Centre was hesitant to get it at first because of the initial lack of information from public health officials.
“I thought the information campaign was lack lustre,” says Duffin. “But because I work with people … the risk of being a carrier and transmitting it to others outweighed my reservations about it.”
He has received the influenza vaccination as well. His office has implemented the recommended hand sanitization procedure and he encourages everyone cough into their sleeves as recommended.
Colleen Griebel got the H1N1 vaccination and had her 14-month-old son, Ian, receive both vaccinations. The information about the vaccinations prompted her to get them, as did the death of Evan Frustaglio, 13, of Toronto. He died from the swine flu, or H1N1 virus, Oct. 26.
“That really shook us up,” Griebel says. “We decided the benefits outweigh the risks.”
She, too, has been following the recommended hand sanitization procedures.
Henry Hopkins had reservations about getting the vaccinations. He heard stories of people getting sick from the swine flu, but decided the benefits outweigh the risks. He also wanted to ensure he doesn’t miss work.
Mike Woods isn’t taking any chances and decided to get the regular flu vaccination.
“I’d prefer to err on the side of caution,” he says. “I work for EnerMAX and want to lead by example.”
Woods plans to get the H1N1 vaccination and encourages everyone to get both.
The flu vaccination has been offered at the hospital since Oct. 13. It will be available Nov. 3 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Nov. 4, from 2-8 p.m. Both vaccinations are free, but recipients must show their health care cards to obtain them.
For more information about the vaccinations, call 1-866-408-5465 or go to their website at www.albertahealthservices.
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