Minister lauds handling of vaccination program

Health Minister Glenn Hart heaped praise on the Yukon’s medical community Friday afternoon for its commitment to the H1N1 vacination program.

Health Minister Glenn Hart heaped praise on the Yukon’s medical community Friday afternoon for its commitment to the H1N1 vacination program.

“Yukon has a strong tradition of caring for those in need, and this is exemplified in the present circumstances,” Hart said in his address to doctors attending this year’s annual general meeting of the Yukon Medical Association (YMA).

“As a community of care providers, we have come together in a way some did not believe possible only a few months ago.”

Hart said while the effort has seen a significant portion of Yukoners vaccinated, the government is still hoping to hit its goal of reaching 70 per cent of the population.

Records maintained by the Department of Health and Social Services show that as of the end of Sunday, 16,787 Yukoners, or 49 per cent of the total population of 34,157, had received the shot to protect themselves against the swine flu.

“Now we find ourselves immersed in the same pandemic that the rest of the world is experiencing, and I have to commend the YMA membership for their openness and willingness to partner with government to create an appropriate health response,” said Hart.

One of four motions adopted unanimously by the doctors Friday afternoon reads: “That the YMA supports the universal vaccination of the Yukon public against the H1N1 virus.”

Dr. Anne Doig, the president of the Canadian Medical Association who was town for the YMA’s annual meeting, also complimented the Yukon’s success with its vacination effort.

Having the flu clinic inside the Canada Games Centre where residents were offered a free day pass to use the facilities while they waited was especially notable, Doing told her medical colleagues.

“Now that is health promotion and illness prevention all rolled up into one healthy practice.”

Hart said in its effort to achieve a vacination rate of 70 per cent, the Yukon government will be providing the doctors with the vaccine by early next week so they can administer it to patients at their private offices.

A survey commissioned by the territorial government in September showed that most Yukoners believe that doctors and nurses are the best source of information when it comes to discussing the H1N1 vaccination, the minister pointed out.

Hart said while many turn to the Internet as a source of information, the worldwide web can also be a source of misinformation.

“At the same time as we want to encourage self-reliance and informed decision-making, we must also be concerned about those who are unable to distinguish health facts from health fictions,” Hart said.

“I am sure you have been active in providing information on the H1N1 vaccinations, and for that I thank you.”

Asked by Dr. Allon Reddoch, Friday afternoon’s moderator, how many doctors had received the H1N1 vaccination, most, if not all, raised their hands.

“I think actions speak louder than words,” Reddoch said.