There's plenty of flu vaccine this season, Dr. Henry assures BC

Oct 8 2020, 11:56 pm

BC’s top doctor assured British Columbians Thursday that there will be enough flu vaccine to go around this winter as more people look to get the shot during the pandemic.

“Of any year, this should be the year you get your flu shot,” Dr. Bonnie Henry said at a news conference Thursday.

Pharmacies around the Lower Mainland are just starting to get their first shipments of flu vaccine in, and many have signs outside their doors reminding customers to book a flu shot appointment.

London Drugs’ online booking service already shows many filled appointments, and Henry told British Columbians not to panic — there are plenty of vials to go around.

“There will be lots of vaccine available, it will be coming over the next few weeks,” she said.

Henry explained that after seeing increased demand in the southern hemisphere for flu vaccine in the spring, Canada ordered extra vaccine compared to a normal year.

She also suggested young and healthy British Columbians wait a couple of weeks before booking an appointment to allow elderly and more vulnerable residents to get their shot first.

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