The first H1N1 vaccine clinic was held at the Stratford Rotary Complex on Monday and hundreds of people identified as high-risk lined up to roll up their sleeves.

The same day, the Perth District Health Unit (PDHU) confirmed influenza activity is on the rise in Perth County and reported there has been one death.

The PDHU is still waiting for results to confirm the subtype related to the death. Since the beginning of October, there have been 16 lab-confirmed cases of Influenza A. Two of those cases have been subtyped as H1N1.

The health unit’s surveillance program – which includes schools, local physicians and hospitals – reflects increasing rates of influenza-like illness.

Lab testing is not normally done for most people who are diagnosed as it does not change the treatment plan.

“H1N1 is the predominant influenza strain this year so it is safe to assume that the influenza cases we are seeing are mostly H1N1,” said Dr. Miriam Klassen, acting medical officer of health.

The best protection against H1N1 is to get the vaccine, which is recommended to all Canadians over six months of age.

“You cannot get influenza from the vaccine and the benefits of immunization far outweigh the risks,” Klassen said.

“The vaccine is safe and has been approved through Health Canada’s normal regulatory process.”

As of Monday, the H1N1 vaccine was made available to those age 64 and under with chronic conditions, healthy children six months to five years of age, healthcare workers and household contacts and care providers of persons at high-risk who cannot be immunized or may not respond to vaccines.

“There is enough vaccine for all residents who need and want it but we want to make sure those who will benefit most receive the vaccine first” said Klassen.

Pregnant women are also encouraged to be vaccinated, though those who prefer can wait for the unadjuvanted vaccine, which should be available in early November.

But since H1N1 activity is increasing throughout Southwestern Ontario, pregnant women in the following categories are encouraged to receive the adjuvanted vaccine that is currently available:

• Pregnant women with pre-existing health conditions

• Healthy pregnant women in the second half of their pregnancy (more than 20 weeks)

• Women who have recently delivered and would like to receive a vaccine now

Healthy pregnant women in the first half of their pregnancy are at less risk of complications from influenza and are advised to wait to receive the unadjuvanted vaccine.

The vaccine clinics will follow a set schedule: Stratford on Mondays, Fridays and some Saturdays, Milverton or Mitchell on Tuesdays, Listowel on Wednesdays, and St. Marys on Thursdays.

Upcoming dates for Stratford clinics at the Stratford Rotary Complex are: Friday, Oct. 30 3-7:30 p.m., Monday, Nov. 2 11:30 a.m,-7:30 p.m., Friday, Nov. 6 11:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m.

For more information, or other clinic times and dates, visit www.pdhu.on.ca.