SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - In preparation for the upcoming flu season the office of the Chief Medical Health Officer is developing a plan to vaccinate every resident of the NWT against swine flu.

During a media briefing in Yellowknife on Aug. 31 Dr. Kami Kandola, the acting chief medical health officer, said her office is encouraging all residents to get three shots this season.

Dr. Kami Kandola, the acting chief medical health officer, provides an update on the territorial government's preparations and response to the H1N1 flu virus during a media briefing in Yellowknife on Aug. 31. - Charlotte Hilling/NNSL photo

In addition to a regular flu shot, every resident can opt for two additional vaccinations against the swine flu, known as the H1N1 flu virus.

"We are encouraging all residents to take responsibility and get vaccinated against H1N1 in order to protect themselves and their families," said Kandola.

The territorial government has ordered 80,000 doses of the H1N1 vaccination from the federal government, enough for two shots for each resident. The office of the Chief Medical Health Officer is working with the regional health authorities to develop an action plan to deliver the mass immunization, said Kandola.

The plan includes using three immunization mobile action teams to travel to each community and administer the vaccinations. Nurses with extensive experience in the territory will lead the teams, Kandola said.

The first dose of the vaccine is expected to be available in November. The second dose is scheduled for January, she said. Both shots are needed to provide a lasting immunization.

The swine flue vaccination was developed by GlaxoSmithKline. Currently, the vaccination is undergoing clinical trials. The vaccine is produced like the yearly flu shots but is undergoing tests because it's for a new flu strain, she said. The federal government is watching the trials closely to watch for adverse effects, said Kandola.

"At this point we have had no concerns on the safety of this vaccine," she said.

The flu season normally lasts from October to May. Based on H1N1 activity during the summer the flu season is expected to arrive earlier this year and be worse than usual, Kandola said.

Until the vaccine is available early aggressive treatment with anti-virals will be used for people at risk including pregnant women and people with existing chronic conditions that H1N1 could complicate, she said.

Kandola was unable to provide a cost estimate for the vaccines, the additional medical supplies ordered or the immunization teams.

Getting the vaccine out in a timely and effective manner was the primary concern and cost will be addressed later, she said.

Some of the expense for the vaccines will be covered by a cost sharing agreement between the federal and territorial governments.

Despite the mass immunization campaign Kandola said the best prevention against all types of influenza is basic hygiene, such as covering mouths when coughing or sneezing., and washing hands with soap and water.

If a person gets sick it's recommended they stay home and limit contact with others, said Kandola. The symptoms of the H1N1 virus are similar to those of the regular flu including fever, cough, lethargy, lack of appetite and a sore throat.

H1N1 is present throughout the territory, said Kandola. To date there have been four hospitalizations, no severe respiratory illnesses and no deaths related to the virus.

Most of the cases have been mild and people have recovered on their own at home, she said.

Dehcho Health and Social Services staff are also preparing for the flu season.

Staffing levels will be increased to prepare for the additional vaccinations, said Kathy Tsetso, Dehcho Health and Social Services' chief executive officer.

"It's a pretty busy time for us. A lot of people do get their shot," she said.

Having the immunization teams come in to deliver the two rounds of the H1N1 vaccine will be beneficial because the regular staff is already busy, said Tsetso.

The organization is also updating the pandemic plans for each of the Deh Cho communities.

The plans, which were created approximately five years ago, can be used in the case of any pandemic, Tsetso said.