The Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs has been informed by Dan Hefkey, Assistant Deputy Minister/Chief of Emergency Management of Ontario that firefighters will now be given priority for H1N1 vaccinations.

The Chief Medical Officer of Health has advised local Medical Officers of Health that if fire fighters are providing an emergency health services function in their community, then they are acting as health workers and should be considered priority as part of the first sequence group. We recommend that you follow up with your local Medical Officer of Health to arrange vaccinations.

As more information concerning the protection of your firefighters is made available the OAFC will notify you.

For more background and current information, please refer to the attached documentation.