Current Press Releases

The Northwest Territories is well-prepared for the H1N1 virus, members of the 16th Legislative Assembly heard today. With an immunization schedule announced yesterday and an extensive emergency response plan developed in the past months, the Ministers of Health and Social Services and Municipal and Community Affairs today detailed the work that has been done.

“Thanks to the extensive planning and preparation the GNWT has undertaken, immunization schedules were announced just hours after the vaccine received federal approval,” Health Minister Sandy Lee told the Assembly. “On Monday, October 26th, we will begin delivering the biggest immunization program in NWT history... Our goal is to vaccinate as many NWT residents as we can, as soon as we can.”

The territorial government has also developed plans for maintaining services over the coming months. Minister Responsible for the Territorial Emergency Response Committee (TERC) Robert C. McLeod described the work done in response to H1N1. “Departments, governments and agencies are working together to ensure that the business of government, from operating schools to maintaining roads, continues smoothly. By placing an emphasis on prevention and planning, I am confident that the GNWT and its partners will be able to respond to this second wave of H1N1 successfully.”

The Chief Public Health Officer reminds residents that vaccination is the best way to protect themselves and others from the H1N1 virus. There will be no order of priority for immunization, as the federal government has recognized the entire territory as a priority region and a full shipment of vaccines has already been received. To find out when and where the immunization clinics will be held, visit http://www.hlthss.gov.nt.ca/.

For more information, contact:

Andrew Matthews
Communications Officer
Office of the Press Secretary
Premier & Executive Council
(867) 669-2302