Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti and Region of York Chair Bill Fisch announced today that Markham will have H1N1 immunization services beginning Monday, November 2.

“Establishing a Markham H1N1 immunization clinic as quickly as possible was a top priority for me,” said Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “I was only made aware Tuesday of this week that there was uncertainty about having a Markham H1N1 clinic ready. As a result, I immediately took action to mobilize Markham staff and asked Chair Bill Fisch to expedite efforts at York Region to ensure we were ready.“

York Region Chair Bill Fisch said, “When I was informed by Mayor Scarpitti of the situation, we immediately worked together to ensure any barriers to our success were eliminated in Markham and at the Region.”

Mayor Scarpitti added, “This experience has convinced me there is a need to improve the way York Region and Markham work together to address health and community emergencies. It is absolutely critical we are prepared to respond quickly and effectively to similar community issues in the future. I will be leading this review effort on behalf of Markham in conjunction with the Region of York.”

The H1N1 flu vaccine is available only to those who need it most. Parking may be limited at some locations and residents are encouraged to use public transit or car pool. Attendance at the H1N1 flu clinics, operating since October 28, has been extremely high. People are asked to please be patient, show courtesy to others and be prepared for a long wait.

York Region clinics in close proximity to Markham residents are:

Town of Markham
8100 Warden Avenue (former Markham Hydro building - just south of Highway 7)
Monday, November 2 – December 18
Monday – Sunday – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Town of Richmond Hill
Rouge Woods Community Centre 110 Shirley Drive
Monday, November 2 – December 18
Monday – Friday 12 noon to 8 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday – 12 noon to 5 p.m.

The H1N1 flu virus vaccine is being provided to York Region residents at no cost. For electronic tracking purposes only, residents attending the H1N1 flu shot clinics are encouraged to bring their health card and/or driver’s licence. Vaccine will be offered to residents who attend a clinic without their health card.

The clinics are operated by York Region Community and Health Services. For a complete list of immunization clinics and updated information on this year’s flu season, please visit www.york.ca/H1N1 or contact York Region Health Connection
at 1-800-361-5653.