SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - With the largest vaccination campaign in Canadian history underway, one MLA is still on the fence about whether or not he will get the shot.

On Monday, Kam Lake MLA Dave Ramsay said he found himself struggling about whether or not to get the Arepanrix vaccination for the H1N1 virus.

"We find ourselves struggling over whether or not to give our two-year-old son this H1N1 vaccine," Ramsay said, saying parents need to have as much information as possible to make the right choice.

Ramsay said the government isn't providing details about what is in the vaccine or describing the potential for adverse side-effects.

"It's certainly not my intention today to scare people away from getting the vaccine," said Ramsay.

He asked if people were being given information at the vaccination clinic about the ingredients of the vaccine.

Sandy Lee, minister of Health and Social Services, said her department has been working diligently to provide people with answers to any questions or concerns they have about the vaccine.

"I am aware that people have been calling about the ingredients," she said during a session of the legislative assembly on Monday. "I know those questions are being answered. When residents walk into the clinic, there are lots of staff there."

But people have to ask for it, Ramsay said, pointing out that the territorial health department website doesn't contain information about the ingredients in the vaccine.

Lee said it's extremely important to make sure the government doesn't create fear among NWT residents, adding Dr. David Butler-Jones, the Canadian chief medical health officer, said the chance of getting the virus far outweighs the potential side-effects.

"They are recommending that the risks associated with this vaccine are so small compared to the sickness and serious hospitalization that would be required by our residents," Lee said, adding it's important for residents in remote communities take the vaccine because of the potential for rapid spread.

Dr. Kami Kandola, the territorial chief public health officer, said the regulator under Health Canada who approved the vaccine oversees all medication, from pills for heart disease to insulin for diabetes.

"You cannot rush them, they take their time until they are satisfied," Kandola said. "They are saying it's safe and effective."

Kandola said about a quarter of the NWT population has had the shot as of Wednesday and said there has only been a couple adverse reactions, one being a rash and the other being hives.

"When people see the dangers of having the flu, they just need to see the news," she said. She pointed to the high rates of flu across Canada, particularly in Ontario where there is an unprecedented level of flu cases. "The uncommon effects, they are rare," said Kandola.

"Anyone who has allergies to eggs and allergies to flu vaccines, we're telling them not to get it."

Ramsay said the Health Canada website gives a list of potential side-effects and the chance people have of having a bad reaction. These reactions range from insomnia, dizziness, vertigo, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, among others. A brochure on the myths and facts about the vaccine states, "As is the case with any vaccine, there is an extremely small chance that a more serious reaction can occur."

The last flu clinic in yellowknife is tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Multiplex.