The country’s top doctor says Canada has suffered relatively few deaths due to the H1N1 influenza because of high vaccination rates.

Approximately one quarter of Canadians have received the H1N1 flu shot, Chief Public Health Officer Dr. David Butler-Jones said, and that’s why we’ve seen a relatively low rate of serious cases and few deaths.

Canada has one of the highest vaccination rates in the world, he added.

After a very bumpy start to the immunization campaign that saw overwhelming lineups at public clinics and temporary shortages, Butler-Jones said the program is running smoothly now and shipments of shots are flowing well.

Several million doses of vaccine are slated to be shipped out to health units this week and another three million are ready to be sent out next week.

As of Monday, all 10 Toronto vaccination clinics are open seven days a week to priority groups and flu assessment centres have also opened up to ease the burden on emergency rooms across the city.

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