Pandemic (H1N1) Influenza

Anyone in the Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region who wishes to be vaccinated for Pandemic H1N1 can now receive the vaccine.

Click here for the schedules of Pandemic H1N1 immunizations clinics.

The Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region is providing H1N1 immunization as the vaccine becomes available. The Region now has a supply of both adjuvanted and unadjuvanted vaccine. To manage the supply of vaccine, immunization is taking place as outlined below.

Please bring your Saskatchewan health card when you come for your vaccination.

H1N1 Immunization Consent Form

Clinics in Regina

Immunization after January 8, 2010

Beginning the week of January 11, Public Health will offer influenza immunization clinics at only the Public Health offices in north and east Regina. Please call 766-7700 to make an appointment for your vaccinations at those offices beginning the week of January 11.

The locations and days for vaccinations are:

• North Public Health Office - 204 Wascana Street
• On Tuesdays only.
• East Public Health Office - 1911 Park Street
• On Wednesdays only.

Second pandemic H1N1 vaccination for select children.

• Children 6 months of age and under 3 years of age should receive two H1N1 influenza vaccinations, administered at least 21 days apart.
• Children with chronic health conditions who are between 3 and 9 years of age should receive two H1N1 influenza vaccinations, administered at least 21 days apart.

Healthy children between 3 and 9 years of age only need a single half-dose of the H1N1 vaccine, and do not need to return for a second vaccine for now. This recommendation may be updated as more information becomes available.

Rural Clinics

Call your local Population and Public Health Office if you wish to receive a pandemic H1N1 influenza vaccination.

H1N1 Decision Chart - Protecting Yourself, Protecting Others

Use these guidelines to help make the best decision if you have flu symptoms.

General Information on Pandemic H1N1 Influenza

In June 2009 the World Health Organization raised the level of Pandemic alert to phase 6, which was the start of the 2009 influenza pandemic. The virus, which was first identified in Mexico in April 2009, is spreading from person-to-person worldwide, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread.

The virus, which has been identified as Pandemic H1N1, has since rapidly spread around the globe, mainly because it is a new strain of influenza virus that most people have no immunity to.

In most cases the virus has proved relatively mild. However, around the world a few thousand people have died. Because all viruses can mutate to become more potent (stronger), we need to take the necesary precautions.

The Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region and the province of Saskatchewan had been preparing, and are continuing to plan for a pandemic influenza. These preparations were made to slow the spread of the disease and reduce the upheaval it could bring to our lives.

The situation in Saskatchewan

As in other countries and provinces, most of the cases reported so far in Saskatchewan have been mild. Only a small number of people developed serious illness.

People in all age groups are being affected. However, children and younger people seem much more likely to be affected than older adults.

People with Pandemic H1N1 influenza typically have a fever or high temperature (over 38°C) and may also have aching muscles, sore throat and/or a dry cough. In other words, the symptoms are very similar to seasonal (regular) influenza. Most people recover within a week, even without treatment.

For a minority of people, the virus has caused severe illness. In many of these cases, other factors have been identified that are likely to have contributed to the severity of the illness.

It is important that people continue to do everything they can to prevent the virus from spreading. The following should be adhered to:

• Stay at home when symptomatic
• Practice good handwashing
• Adhere to good respiratory etiquette

The following are links to other influenza pandemic information and to other websites that have information about the illness, the preparations being made internationally and locally by health organizations and the discussions around ethical issues that will have to be dealt with during a pandemic.

• To view information on pandemic planning from the Government of Saskatchewan click here.


• The Public Health Agency of Canada has created a unique pan-Canadian portal has been designed to answer your flu-related questions and to help you and your family stay healthy. To visit Fightflu.ca, click here.


• Fightflu.ca has information about each province and territory on the country.


• To view the Public Health Agency of Canada's Flu Watch site click here.


• To view the Government of Canada information on the preparedness and response to a potential Influenza Pandemic click here.


• For information and services on public safety in Canada click here.


• The World Health Organization (WHO) is the United Nations specialized agency for health. Click here for their information on pandemic preparedness.


• Click here to view the U.S. Government pandemic flu information website.


• The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) web site has information about seasonal and pandemic influenza.


• The Influenza Pandemic Working Group at the University of Toronto Joint Centre for Bioethics has produced an ethics guide for pandemic planning. Click here to view the information.


• To view the special Pandemic issue of HealthNews (Fall 2006) click here.


• For information on how to prepare at home for Pandemic, click here.

Do you know how to sneeze?