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 H1N1 Clinic Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to go to the clinic in my area? No. If you are among those who should receive the vaccine now, you are welcome to attend any of the twelve locations throughout the city.
In most cases, clinics are open from 9am - 8pm, Monday through Thursday and from 9am - 4pm on Friday. Clinics have also been held on Saturdays. Visit www.wrha.mb.ca for more info or join us on Facebook. Please be aware that clinic times and dates may vary depending on availability of vaccine. Mass immunization clinics will be open until December 4, 2009 Click here for more on immunization clinics
What can I expect at the clinic? First, you may encounter a long line of people ahead of you also waiting to receive the vaccine. Some of these lines extend outside of some clinic locations. Please ensure you are dressed appropriately for the weather and that you wear comfortable footwear. Clinics also have handouts, signage and individuals in place to ensure that you meet the criteria for those currently receiving the vaccine. When you enter into the clinic, the first thing you'll see is a hand sanitizing station so you can use the alcohol based hand rub before proceeding to the reception area. You'll show your Manitoba Health card to the receptionist and then you'll a receive a consent form. You'll fill out a consent form, hand it in, then be called to receive your H1N1 Flu shot. After getting the shot you will wait in the recovery area for about 15 minutes so that staff can observe your reaction to the shot.
Consent forms, (available in English and French) provides general information about you (your name, address, date of birth) and your health (allergies you may have, medication you may be taking) to help the nurses with immunization screening. If you're with your family, each member of your family will receive a consent form that needs to be completed. A parent or guardian should fill out the form for their children. Each consent form has a bar code at the top of it. Before proceeding to a table to fill out your registration form, your consent form will be scanned. If you have questions while filling out your consent form, ask for help. Volunteers are readily available to answer your questions. Not sure who is a volunteer? Look for someone in a vest and they can help point you in the right direction.
What happens next to the form? Once your consent form is completed, it will be scanned. You will be given a number and directed to a waiting area. If you have young children, you will directed to the family waiting area. When a nurse calls your number, you proceed to the immunization area. (The information provided on the form is kept confidential and protected under the Personal Health Information Act)
What happens when I get the H1N1 shot? When you sit down, you present your consent form. The nurse asks immunization screening questions. Then your upper arm will be swabbed and the immunization shot will be administered in your upper arm. The nurse injects the vaccine, removes the needle and then applies a bandage. Your consent form is scanned before you proceed to the recovery area where trained health professionals will observe you after you receive your shot. For most people, 15 minute monitoring is all that is required. If you have specific health issues, you may be asked to remain in the recovery area for up to an hour. When your monitoring time is complete, hand in your consent form, where it is scanned for the final time. Congratulations! You've just received the H1N1 immunization. You have just reduced your risk of catching the H1N1 flu. Remember to prioritize preventative methods like hand washing (or using alcohol based hand rub) and covering your cough, if you have one.
Who can answer my questions at the clinic? Volunteers at the H1N1 flu shot clinics can be easily identified by the coloured vests they wear. The person in charge of the clinic wears an orange vest. Anyone in a vest will be able to help you get your question answered.
What's the average wait time at a clinic? Clinic volumes are now much lower than previous weeks and wait times are significantly reduced. Wait times vary from clinic to clinic and from hour to hour. Because appointments are not necessary and shots are being administered on a first come, first served basis, there is no way to tell what the wait will be on any given day. Whether you're an adult or a child, we recommend bringing a magazine or book, handheld video games and snacks or beverages to help make your wait more comfortable. * Please do not bringing any food item with nuts * Clinic waiting lines can extend out of doors at some locations. Please ensure you are dressed appropriately for the weather and that you wear comfortable footwear. Layers are recommended as you can also become quite warm as your wait extends inside the clinic location.
I have children. What do I need to know about them and the flu clinic? Waiting can be especially difficult for children. We recommend you bring something to keep your child occupied. For younger children, books and or colouring books (as opposed to stuffed toys or large, clumsy toys) may help to keep them calm and occupied before they receive their immunization. You may also want to consider bringing a snack (please do not bring food that contains nuts) or something for your child(ren) to drink. Your wait may be brief but preparing to keep you and your child(ren) as comfortable as possible will ensure that the experience is as positive as it can be for everyone. Healthy children between 3 and 9 years of age who received their first shot no longer need to return for a second shot.
How can I prepare my child to receive the H1N1 vaccination? We recommend communicating honestly and openly with your child at an age appropriate level about receiving the H1N1 immunization. View more tips for taking your child for an H1N1 immunization
My child is scared of needles. How can I prepare them? The province of Manitoba has an excellent brochure about vaccination that has suggestions about how to help support your child before and after they receive immunization. The Canadian Coalition for Immunization Awareness and Protection recommends the following books to help prepare your child about immunization They also have a colouring book that may be downloaded that can help you explain the immunization process to your child. I'm hearing about a survey. Can you tell me more? We want to know what people think of the location, accessibility and service at H1N1 immunization clinics. Every 25th person will be asked to provide their feedback on a few simple questions so we know how you think we did.
What should I wear to get my shot? It's a Winnipeg fall so we recommend layers. If you have a tank top or t-shirt or long sleeved shirt that can be easily rolled up (something so that your upper arm is easily accessed and immunized is the key), that is your best option so you can be comfortable and easily immunized. Clinic waiting lines can extend out of doors at some locations. Please ensure you are dressed appropriately for the weather and that you wear comfortable footwear for standing. Layers are also recommended as you can also become quite warm as your wait extends inside the clinic location.
I have questions about the H1N1 immunization clinics. Where do I call? For comments and questions about the H1N1 immunization clinics, please call WRHA Client Relations at 926-7825. For health-related H1N1 questions please call Health Links-Info Sante at 788-8200.
I have comments about the clinic staff. How can I do that? We appreciate hearing how we're doing! Please call WRHA Client Relations at 926-7825.
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