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AFN Regional Chief Angus Toulouse, who holds the health portfolio at the organization, said the high infection rates were due largely to "pre-existing health conditions and poor living conditions."
But he added that "some doctors suspect biological factors may also play a role," and called on the Canadian government to prioritize native communities when deciding how to distribute the vaccine.
Canadian Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq said distribution would be ordered by risk.
"Those most at risk will receive the vaccine first. We expect that the H1N1 vaccine will be made available by late October, early November, and everyone who needs (the) vaccine will be able to get at least one dose before Christmas," Aglukkaq said.
British pharmaceutical group Glaxo-SmithKline is working on production of a swine flu vaccine in its facilities in Canada.
There are some 1.2 million indigenous people in Canada, including Inuits, Indians and mixed race natives.
More than 10,000 people in Canada have contracted the A(H1N1) virus so far, including 45 people who have died.
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But he added that "some doctors suspect biological factors may also play a role," and called on the Canadian government to prioritize native communities when deciding how to distribute the vaccine.
Canadian Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq said distribution would be ordered by risk.
"Those most at risk will receive the vaccine first. We expect that the H1N1 vaccine will be made available by late October, early November, and everyone who needs (the) vaccine will be able to get at least one dose before Christmas," Aglukkaq said.
British pharmaceutical group Glaxo-SmithKline is working on production of a swine flu vaccine in its facilities in Canada.
There are some 1.2 million indigenous people in Canada, including Inuits, Indians and mixed race natives.
More than 10,000 people in Canada have contracted the A(H1N1) virus so far, including 45 people who have died.
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