Canada supports Mexico's pandemic response efforts

The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health, on behalf of the Government of Canada, has announced it will be providing five million doses of H1N1 flu vaccine to Mexico to help bridge that country's immediate pandemic vaccine requirements. This is not a donation. Mexico will replenish Canada's H1N1 vaccine supply by March 31, 2010.

"We are privileged that we are in a position to support Mexico's pandemic response efforts," said Minister Aglukkaq. "The immediate response to Mexico's request by Canada's federal, provincial and territorial governments serves as testimony to the special relationship that exists between Canada and Mexico."

The Government of Mexico has placed orders for H1N1 flu vaccine with several manufacturers; however, the bulk of Mexico's order will only be available at the end of January 2010. Accordingly, the Mexican government has requested Canada provide five million doses of H1N1 flu vaccine GSK Canada is currently holding for provinces and territories. Initial shipments of the H1N1 flu vaccine to Mexico from Canada will begin during the first week of January.

Provincial and territorial governments unanimously agreed to the request. Canada already has distributed and has stockpiled enough vaccine in Canada to meet its immediate and ongoing needs, as well as to accommodate Mexico's request.

"The Public Health Agency of Canada has worked with Mexico since the beginning of the H1N1 outbreak, when our National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg played a key role in identifying the novel H1N1 flu virus," said Dr. David Butler-Jones, Canada's Chief Public Health Officer. "Canada's provinces and territories have been instrumental in facilitating a quick response to Mexico's request. Canada's commitment to support global efforts to respond to H1N1 pandemic is possible through our ongoing collaboration with our provincial partners."

Source: Government of Canada