Canada approves H1N1 vaccineCanada on Wednesday approved an H1N1 flu vaccine The flu vaccine is a vaccine to protect against the highly variable influenza virus. The annual flu kills an estimated 36,000 people in the United States. that will be ready for use in the coming days as advance shipments have been distributed to all of its provinces and territories, officials said. "With the arrival of the flu season
"I'm happy to say that today Health Canada Health Canada (French: Santé Canada) is the department of the government of Canada with responsibility for national public health. Health Canada's goal is to improve Canadian life by improving Canadian longevity, lifestyle and use of public healthcare. has authorized the H1N1 flu virus vaccine," she said, urging all Canadians to get flu shots. "This means the adjuvanted vaccine has been judged safe and effective for use in Canada by both the Canadian manufacturer, GlaxoSmithKline, as well as by the Health Canada regulators." The swine flu has contributed to 83 deaths in Canada, more than 1,500 hospitalizations and close to 300 critical care ward admissions. Health officials said unprecedented international cooperation led to the vaccine's approval in Canada -- primarily a sharing of research data. The active ingredient in the vaccine is the H1N1 antigen grown from a vaccine seed strain provided by the World Health Organization. An adjuvant adjuvant /ad·ju·vant/ (aj?dbobr-vant) (a-joo´vant) 1. assisting or aiding. 2. a substance that aids another, such as an auxiliary remedy. 3. composed of water, natural oil and vitamin E vitamin E or tocopherol Fat-soluble organic compound found principally in certain plant oils and leaves of green vegetables. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant in body tissues and may prolong life by slowing oxidative destruction of membranes. boosts is meant to boost the immune system's response to the vaccine. Canadian authorities will continue testing the vaccine in clinical trials while monitoring for any adverse effects, said officials. 
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