Halifax – Hants West MLA Chuck Porter says rural Nova Scotians are being placed at the bottom of the list when it comes to accessing H1N1 vaccination and assessment centres, and he believes holding several 24-hour immunization clinics may be the fastest way to rectify the problem.

Porter raised the issue in the Legislature asking the government to explain why vaccination clinics in many smaller communities are being held for only a few hours over a span of two or three days. This gives residents a very limited opportunity to get immunized.

"It is as if this government does not comprehend that we are in the midst of a critical health threat and the largest immunization program in Canadian history," he said Thursday.

In Windsor, clinics scheduled for Nov. 9th and 16th will be open from 4:00-8:30 p.m., and 4:00-7:30 p.m. respectively - hours Porter considers inadequate given that there are about 20,000 people residing in Hants West . 

"The turn-out at clinics held in Elmsdale and Westville this week show the access now being offered is simply not meeting the demand. Unless something is done, people are going to stop showing up."

In Westville yesterday, line-ups formed hours before the clinic opened at 10:00 a.m. and triggered congestion that required the use of firefighters to keep traffic under control.

Though the Pictou County Health Authority (PCHA) advertised the clinic's hours as 10:00 a.m -7:00 p.m., only those who had lined up before 3:00 p.m. were able to receive their shot.

In anticipation of today's clinic, a PCHA spokesperson said people should be prepared for a four to six hour wait and suggested wearing warm clothing, and bringing snacks, drinks and reading materials.

Porter foresees a similar scenario when the Windsor clinic opens, and is concerned that many people will simply avoid going and end up placing themselves at risk for contracting the virus.

He also questions why assessment clinics have not been announced for any small communities - only Halifax.

"Not only is that unfair, it is dangerous."

Nova Scotians are encouraged to share their concerns about the province's response to the H1N1 pandemic by emailing the Progressive Conservative Caucus at: pcmlas@gov.ns.ca.

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For more information, please contact:
Janna MacGregor
Public Relations Officer
NS Progressive Conservative Caucus
Tel:  902.424.5238
Cell: 902.220.4343
Fax:  902.424.7484
macgrejl@gov.ns.ca