Calgary pharmacies seeing increased demand for flu shots during COVID-19 pandemic
Posted Oct 21, 2020 4:05 pm.
Last Updated Oct 21, 2020 4:06 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
CALGARY (660 NEWS) — As flu shots were made available by the province on Monday, pharmacies across Calgary are seeing a large demand of people wanting the vaccination.
Moving into the winter months, pharmacist Marty Ewanchuk says we should be getting them, but we do have some time to wait.
“It is important to get the flu shot, but you don’t have to get it this week. You can get it over the next week or 10 or 14 days and it’s still going to give you good coverage,” Ewanchuk said.
He adds many people were lining up to get a shot this week with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, plus Alberta Health Services (AHS) is only offering vaccination to children under the age of five and their families.
“Everybody else who would’ve gone to the AHS clinics, they’re the ones now that are looking for the outlets to get their flu shot done. And I think that’s what’s causing the increased demand on the pharmacies at this time and certainly the fact that a lot of people who had never had flu injections before have chosen to take it up this year,” Ewanchuk added
This was adding even more strain on people wanting a flu shot.
“I think the problem is everybody is trying to get it at the same moment and that really does create that feeling of lineups and angst among the general public,” he said.
Now with children back in school infectious disease specialist, Dr. Craig Jenne adds it is important to keep runny noses on the COVID-19 symptom list.
“If it turns out that most cases with a runny nose are not COVID, you’ll see those will come off the list in the future, but right now we’re still basing those lists on our best understanding of what’s required to protect the schools and protect the kids.
“This is the time of year where youth sports have largely moved indoors, you know school is now in session and although it’s been running for a month these still provide potential transmission opportunities,” Jenne said.
Ewanchuk adds keeping that symptom on the list provides some clarity.
“You know the symptoms crossover, but I think in my opinion you still have to make a line in the sand of what constitutes a risk and what constitutes a go forward and I think it’s important to ask those questions,” he said.
You are asked to book your flu shot ahead of time online and If you have any questions about influenza and COVID you’re asked to contact a medical professional.
