Pharmacists may help with swine-flu shots

Pharmacists and paramedics around Nova Scotia may be called on to give swine-flu injections.

A vaccine for the H1N1 virus is expected to be ready by mid-November. However, there may not be enough health-care workers to give thethe shots.

Dr. Robert Strang, the province's chief medical officer of health, said there are discussions underway about getting pharmacists and paramedics to help out.

"We're looking at many different options, and at being as flexible and creative as we can be," he said.

No plans are finalized yet, Strang said, pointing out there are many aspects to consider, such as training.Hesaid health officials are trying to get influenza shots done early to clear the way for the swine-flu vaccine.

Federal health officials are meeting this week to decide who will get the vaccine first. Apriority list should be ready in September.

Because it's likely that two doses of the vaccine will be needed, officials said Canadians may have to wait until the new year to be fully inoculated.

There have been hundreds of swine-flu cases in Nova Scotia since the outbreak began in April. One person has died and 17 people have been hospitalized.