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Flu outbreaks on the rise 5 · OAKVILLE BEAVER Friday, October 30, 2009 Continued from page 3 administered at those sites. Nosal said he is not concerned about a vaccine shortage, as the Region's health department has already received two shipments. "We have 45,000 doses, which will help us start to give the hospitals and physicians what they need, as well as be used at our clinics," he said. "We have enough to get into the middle of the week quite easily." The vaccination clinics come as the second wave of outbreaks has started in the region. Halton appears to be hit hard right now with the virus, with approximately 60 per cent of schools in the region reporting a student absenteeism rate of two per cent or higher due to flu-like symptoms on Tuesday. "For the last two weeks, there has been a very significant increase in circulation," he said. Nosal said daycares are also being affected, with four to five centres reporting suspected H1N1 cases daily. The health department is also monitoring the hospitals in the region. There have been no deaths in Halton to date as a result of the H1N1 virus. "We track and the hospitals track the proportion of their emergency visits that are due to influenza," he said. "Normally it's about 10 per cent, but the latest stats show it is up to 40 or more per cent. Some can be seen quickly and don't need admission. Total hospitalization in Halton (since Sept. 1) is now 15, and the majority are children under the age of 20." Some people in line at Wednesday's clinic had a direct connection to the virus, with sick family members. William Hoch said his son contracted the H1N1 virus last week. Although his son is currently living in Waterloo, where he is attending Wilfrid Laurier University, it was reason enough for Hoch to come get the shot. "I knew I was going to get the vaccine," he said. "It's new and we don't have the immunity for it yet, so this is a must for me." Nosal said he recommends that everyone, especially those in the high-risk categories, get the vaccine. "If you are in the at-risk groups, for sure you should get it," he said. "If you are not in the at-risk groups, you should still get it. It will minimize your chances of getting sick." The complete list of H1N1 vaccination clinics, with locations, dates and times of operation, can be found online at www.halton.ca or by dialing 311, or calling 905-8256000, toll free 1-866-442-5866 or TTY 905827-9833. -- For H1N1 news, follow Oakville Beaver reporter Tina Depko on www.twitter.com at BeaverReporterT. own Servic Out-of-T e & ort p Air OAKVILLE UNITED TAXI HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY HALLOWEEN T E! S C A N L A H C 50% OFF ENTRANCE FEES ONLY UNTIL OCTOBER 31, 2009 · · · · · · · · · · · · GO Airport Flat Rates GREEN! Out-of-Town Service Regular In-Town Service 10% Discount On Parcel Service GPS Computerized Dispatch Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles Corporate Accounts Welcome Airport Customer Wake-Up Service 10% Senior Discount - In Town More Than 70 Taxis In Our Fleet Gift Certificates Available Experienced, dependable team w w w. o a k v i l l e u n i t e d t a x i . c o m www.oakvilleclub.com info@oakvilleclub.com 905.845.0231 905.338.0044 CALL US 24 HOUR · 7 DAYS A WEEK PLEASE SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BUSINESS If you are interested in joining our team, please call 905-338-1762