Public health clinic fills up quickly in North York, East York.
Patrick Hannigan, 9, receives his H1N1 flu shot by registered nurse Diane Nannarone while his brothers Christian Lobos, 5, and Adrien, 3, and mother Nadine Roe look on Thursday at a special clinic held at the East York Civic Centre. (Oct. 29, 2009)
Staff photo/DAN PEARCE
Overwhelming demand for H1N1 flu vaccine closed down a public health clinic at the North York Civic Centre less than an hour after it began Thursday afternoon. As dozens of people waiting for shots snaked around the lower level of the North York Civic Centre Thursday, Oct. 29 afternoon, Toronto medical officer of health Dr. David McKeown told a press conference at 12:45 p.m. that the line was closed to new people.
"We have taken the decision and we'll have to close the line at this point," he said.
The line at the East York Civic Centre was just as busy with the flu vaccine clinic also shutting down early that same afternoon.
The clinics are for high-priority groups such as children between the ages of six months and five years, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems but McKeown acknowledged members of the general public have been given shots at the clinics.
Beginning Monday, Nov. 2, 10 clinics will open for the general public.
Public health care workers have been reallocated to the clinics from other programs over the next six weeks but McKeown dismissed suggestions to keep them open 24-7.
"It is easier said than done," he said. "We want to do the clinics right. (Shots) have to be delivered by skilled health professionals. We're ramping up as fast as we can."
In the meantime, McKeown advised people not to let the H1N1 scare disrupt their daily lives such as trick-or-treating this weekend.
"I think people should go out and enjoy Halloween. It is important people don't disrupt normal family routines."
More information is available on the city's public health website, http://www.toronto.ca/health/