Island pharmacists see busy start to flu vaccination season

There is a high demand for the flu shot this year on P.E.I.

The province’s influenza vaccination program kicked off on Oct. 9 and, in the first three days, pharmacists administered 3,596 flu shots.

That’s an average of 1,200 per day.

The shots are available at Island pharmacies, medical offices and at public health clinics.

“We are thrilled with the uptake of flu vaccines seen already this season,’’ said Erin MacKenzie, executive director of the P.E.I. Pharmacists Association.

“By removing barriers to accessing the vaccine, such as cost, and by providing vaccination services in pharmacies right across the province, we have been able to increase the number of people in P.E.I. who are getting their flu shot.’’

MacKenzie said the flu vaccine is the best defence against contracting influenza, a potential deadly disease, especially in the very young, the elderly and in those living with chronic health conditions.

“Getting the flu shot does more than protect you, it decreases the amount of influenza circulating in our communities, thus protecting those most at risk, such as babies under six months of age, who are not yet able to get vaccinated themselves.”

The program will again be universal this season, meaning that anyone living in the province will be eligible for a free flu shot.

Last season was the first time a universal flu vaccination program was offered.

P.E.I. pharmacists provided 27,669 influenza vaccinations in 2017, which represented about 77 per cent of all those administered in community settings.