H1N1 vaccination

Early results (January to April) from the 2010 Canadian Community Health Survey show that an estimated 41% of Canadians (excluding those in the territories) aged 12 or older had been vaccinated for H1N1 by April 2010. The percentages were higher in the Atlantic provinces, Quebec and Saskatchewan than in Canada overall. Relatively high percentages of females and people aged 45 or older were vaccinated; the percentage of immigrants who had done so was relatively low. Being in a priority group (health-care worker, having children younger than 5 in the household, or having a chronic condition that could increase the risk for complications from H1N1) increased the likelihood of vaccination. A history of seasonal flu vaccination and having a regular doctor were also associated with H1N1 vaccination. Nearly three-quarters of those who had not been vaccinated reported that they did not think it was necessary.