The Vancouver Island Health Authority is removing all toys and reading material from medical facilities in an effort to curb the spread of H1N1.

All toys, books and magazines have already been removed from all emergency departments. The move comes on the heels of recommendations released from the Public Health Agency of Canada earlier this week.

Bev Dobbyn, Director of Infection Prevention and Control for VIHA, said although the transmission of germs and bacteria on books and magazines is low, the move is necessary to help control the spread of viruses to staff, visitors and patients.

"We recognize the toys in waiting areas are a great comfort and distraction for little ones, however, it is just not possible to clean them between every patient," Dobbyn said in a release Wednesday.

"In these times of viral outbreak, specifically the H1N1 Pandemic, we are hoping to interrupt the spread of infection by not providing these items."

Patients and visitors are still allowed to bring their own reading materials and toys into Vancouver Island hospitals but are encouraged to take them home when they leave.

Three more deaths

Provincial health officials announced Tuesday three more people have died from H1N1 since Oct. 20, bringing the total number of deaths to 12.

All but one of the victims, a 26-year-old mother from Mission, had underlying health conditions.

The province, which is in the midst of what officials have deemed a "second wave" of the H1N1 pandemic, announced it will now include only severe H1N1 cases in its weekly report.

Staged rollout

Long lineups continue at B.C. health clinics doling out vaccine as part of the nationwide staged rollout.

Priority is being given to pregnant women, people under 65 with chronic health conditions, and people in remote communities, including First Nations and the homeless.

The death of a 13-year-old Ontario boy Monday led to heightened concerns among parents.

"It's very busy, yes, probably busier than our expectations," said Diane Bissenden of Vancouver Coastal Health.

"Because this is our first week with the H1N1 vaccine campaign roll out, we're just learning about how we put our processes together and, you know, operationalize the campaign which we will have running over the next couple of weeks."

B.C.'s chief medical health officer, Dr. Perry Kendall, urged people to be patient.

Travel precautions

Precautions against spreading the H1N1 virus are ramping up across the country.

Federal health officials said Wednesday anyone feeling ill should postpone travel plans, keeping off of planes, buses, ferries and trains if possible.

Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq also encouraged travel staff to keep an eye out for any passengers who appear to be sick.

"We are asking travel companies, airlines, bus lines and others who operate public conveyances to allow Canadians to easily re-book their travel plans if they get ill," Aglukkaq said.

Crews on board planes, ferries and buses are urged to "take precautions" to avoid becoming infected with the virus, including limiting contact with patients and frequent handwashing.

"Get the vaccine as soon as it is available to you," said Aglukkaq. "I cannot repeat this enough."

Six million doses of the vaccine are expected to be shipped nationwide this week, with millions more scheduled.

The B.C. government has set up a website with more information about H1N1, including ways to check for symptoms, at www.healthlinkbc.ca

With reports from CTV British Columbia correspondents and files from The Canadian Press