OTTAWA - Canada's largest-ever immunization campaign is about to get underway now that the federal government has approved the swine-flu vaccine.
Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq's office confirmed Wednesday an announcement would be made at 12:30 p.m. eastern time, allowing provinces and territories to proceed with H1N1 flu vaccinations as soon as possible.
"It's officially approved," said Tim Vail, a spokesman for Aglukkaq.
The Public Health Agency of Canada had said it was aiming to have the vaccine available in early November.
Other countries have already begun vaccinations. The United States has started giving swine-flu shots to people in groups thought to be at greater risk.
Japan started its vaccinations Monday and Britain started Wednesday.
In Canada, priority has been given to pregnant women, health workers, young children, people living in remote places, and adults with chronic conditions - the groups most vulnerable to the H1N1 virus - for the swine-flu shot.
Two million doses of the swine-flu …
Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq's office confirmed Wednesday an announcement would be made at 12:30 p.m. eastern time, allowing provinces and territories to proceed with H1N1 flu vaccinations as soon as possible.
"It's officially approved," said Tim Vail, a spokesman for Aglukkaq.
The Public Health Agency of Canada had said it was aiming to have the vaccine available in early November.
Other countries have already begun vaccinations. The United States has started giving swine-flu shots to people in groups thought to be at greater risk.
Japan started its vaccinations Monday and Britain started Wednesday.
In Canada, priority has been given to pregnant women, health workers, young children, people living in remote places, and adults with chronic conditions - the groups most vulnerable to the H1N1 virus - for the swine-flu shot.
Two million doses of the swine-flu …