We get it. Some people are nervous about the unknown, and when it comes to the new H1N1 flu vaccine, many are skeptical about whether to get it now or wait for more proof of its effectiveness and safeness.

Government and private sector communication must be improved in order to get better prepared to deal with the anticipated resurgence of the H1N1 pandemic this fall. This was the consensus among emergency as well as health and safety experts at a recent forum on emergency management, hosted by Canadian Occupational Safety in partnership with the Industrial Accident Prevention Association.

From pandemic preparedness and emergency management to terrorism and cyber attacks, the organizers of the upcoming 19th World Conference on Disaster Management has lined up a number of high-profile experts to speak on a variety of topics of great interest to the health and safety community.

With the H1N1 virus boosted today from a level five pandemic alert to a level six – out of a possible six levels – by the World Health Organization (WHO), the Canadian Centre for Emergency Preparedness (CCEP) is urging communities and companies to exercise caution as they prepare for the full-scale pandemic.

Minister of Health Leona Aglukkaq and chief public health officer, Dr. David Butler-Jones, have confirmed 36 new cases of H1N1 flu virus (human swine flu), bringing the total number of laboratory confirmed cases in Canada to 201.

“The Government of Canada continues to monitor the spread of this virus and is committed to providing Canadians with timely and accurate information,” said Minister Aglukkaq. “Knowledge of transmission patterns will help public health professionals and the public stay current on issues related to this influenza.”