A public presentation on the expected H1N1 flu season held at SIAST Tuesday morning pointed out that a moderate to medium outbreak could result in about 18 thousand people in the region getting sick with roughly half of that number will requiring a visit to a doctor's office.

Five Hills Health Region Chief Medical Officer Dr. Mark Vooght says he expects that 250 people will need hospital care with some requiring intensive care.

Dr. Vooght hopes the flu vaccine will be available in the next four to six weeks. He says the plan is to give everyone two free shots, but he hopes one might be enough, "It does seem to give you very good protection, but for how long is it?  Is it a very abrupt protection or is it a long, smooth protection for a couple of months, that's what we're aiming for.  We might still need to give the two shots but it would be great if we only needed to give the one."

Vooght also talked about who will get the H1N1 vaccine first when it becomes available, "Pregnant women are really top of the list, in the same group as those who have chronic diseases like heart and lung diseases.  It also includes children who are younger than five years of age and healthcare workers are also in that group."

Dr. Vooght says everyone should take shots for both seasonal flu and for the H1N1 strain when it's ready.