H1N1 Preparation for Emergency Shelters

Homeless shelters face special challenges when it comes to preparing for a possible outbreak of H1N1. Many homeless people have other health conditions, they are living in close quarters and traditional advice, like staying home to rest, does not apply.

Housing and Urban Affairs, with guidance from Alberta Health and Wellness and Alberta Health Services, has been working with shelter operators and agencies serving the homeless to prepare for an outbreak of pandemic H1N1 influenza virus. Preparations include:

• Ensuring shelters have made appropriate connections with local health and community agencies,
• Finalizing overall plans to prevent and respond to H1N1, including strategies for providing immunizations to the homeless population,
• Creating an influenza pandemic planning guide for shelters operators.
• Providing advice and guidance on staffing

Alberta has developed an overall strategy to respond to pandemic influenza and the latest information about H1N1 can be found on the Alberta Health Services page or on Dr. Andre Corriveau's page.