Health Information A-Z   >   H1N1 Flu Virus

For more information on Seasonal Influenza click here.

This fall and winter there are two types of flu viruses circulating - seasonal flu viruses and the pandemic H1N1 flu virus (pH1N1 virus), formerly called Swine flu. Flu vaccines have been developed against these viruses.

The Perth District Health Unit has followed the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care's recommendations about offering the seasonal and pH1N1 vaccines in three phases:

1. Seasonal Flu Vaccine for People 65 and Over
Beginning in early October, the seasonal vaccine was offered to people 65 years of age and older and residents of Long Term Care Homes. It is very important for older adults to get their seasonal flu shot. The elderly are more susceptible to serious complications and hospitalization from seasonal flu infection.

2. H1N1 Vaccine
H1N1 clinics were offered to priority groups and then all Perth County residents 6 months and over in late 2009.

3. Seasonal Vaccine for Everyone 6 Months and Older
The seasonal vaccine was offered to all Perth County residents in late 2009. It is now being offered through family doctors. If you do not have a family doctor or your doctor does not have the vaccine, call Health at 519-271-7600 ext 267. Listowel area residents call 1-877-271-7348 ext 267.

H1N1 Information for Children and Pregnant Women

Dose Information for Children
Please see the chart below to determine if your child requires a second dose of the vaccine. Please ensure there are at least 21 days between doses. Parents with children who require a second dose of the vaccine should contact their family doctor.


**According to the National Advisory Committee on Immunization, chronic conditions include:

• cardiac or pulmonary disorders (including bronchopulmonary dysplasia, cystic fibrosis and asthma);


• diabetes mellitus and other metabolic diseases;


• cancer,


• immunodeficiency,


• immunosuppression (due to underlying disease and/or therapy);


• renal disease;


• anaemia or hemoglobinopathy;


• conditions that compromise the management of respiratory secretions and are associated with an increased risk of aspiration; or


• children and adolescents with conditions treated for long periods with acetylsalicylic acid.

• General H1N1 Information (PDF)



• Your H1N1 Preparedness Guide (PDF)



• Caring for a Sick Person with Influenza at Home (PDF)



• What to do if you think you have influenza (self-assessment tool)



• H1N1 Flu Virus Information for Pregnant Women (PDF)

• H1N1 Flu Shot Fact Sheet



• Unadjuvanted H1N1-2009 Influenza Vaccine Fact Sheet for Pregnant Women (PDF)

• How to Stay Healthy and Prevent the Spread of Illness (PDF)



• “Seven Simple Steps to Keep You and Me Healthy” (PDF) Poster



• How to Handwash (PDF)

• Information for Parents



• Information for Workplaces



• Information for Educators



• Information for Health Professionals

• Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care



• Public Health Agency of Canada. Toll-free information number: 1-800-454-8302.



• Canadian Food Inspection Agency



• Public Health Agency of Canada Travel Notices



• World Health Organization

No Information At This Time

[ Previous Screen ]

If you have a concern about access to our services, please let us know. We want to help!

For more information, contact Health Line at 519-271-7600 ext 267.
Listowel area residents call 1-877-271-7348.