BC NDP

At-risk groups shouldn't be left waiting, says Brar

VICTORIA – The B.C. Liberals must press the federal government to accelerate the H1N1 vaccine for vulnerable groups, New Democrat critic for healthy living Jagrup Brar said today.

"As Minister responsible for B.C.'s H1N1 response plan, Ida Chong should be pressing the federal government to deliver the vaccine this month so high risk groups can be immunized."

Brar noted that H1N1 is spreading faster than anticipated, and public health officials are concerned that B.C. residents will not be immunized until mid-November.

The Canadian Medical Journal has argued that high risk groups should receive the vaccine sooner. Jurisdictions including the United States and Australia are already providing a H1N1 vaccine to groups most at risk for serious complications, like pregnant women and children.

"Other provinces, including Ontario, are already urging Ottawa to move up the roll out of H1N1 vaccine from mid November," said Brar."It's important that we are prepared; even the government’s own report warns that B.C. hospitals could be overwhelmed by an outbreak,"

Last week, B.C.’s Centre for Disease Control reported that the province is experiencing a significant increase in influenza cases, predominantly due to H1N1. The influenza virus is more prevalent than last year at this time.

Carole James and the New Democrats are holding the B.C. Liberals accountable for breaking their election promise to protect health and education services.