CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — Thousands of Islanders are wasting little time rolling up their sleeves for the flu shot this year.
“The uptick has been terrific," says Jason Johnston, president of the P.E.I. Pharmacists Association. “We’re seeing Islanders coming out in great numbers."
Erin MacKenzie, the association’s executive director, says close to 8,500 vaccines were administered in the first week up to Sept. 27 in pharmacies across the province.
She is not surprised to see the early numbers up notably from last year.
“We did anticipate an increase in interest, and that certainly has proven to be true," she says, adding many people appear to be getting the message that it is even more important to get the flu shot this year with both COVID-19 and seasonal influenza viruses circulating at the same time.
Johnston has been impressed with the strong co-ordination from government and private pharmacies to manage inventory to date.
"So, anyone who has wanted the flu shot has gotten it," he says.
Chief public health officer Dr. Heather Morrison is strongly promoting the flu vaccine.
“Getting a flu shot and washing your hands frequently (are the best ways) to protect yourself from getting the flu or spreading the flu to those around you" she says.
“All Islanders are encouraged to protect themselves and get immunized, especially those who are at a higher risk of becoming seriously ill from influenza, such as young children, elderly people, pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems or other chronic health conditions."
Bev MacDonald, 64, of Cornwall gets the flu shot every year.
She has never had the flu but running a daycare until recently has meant being exposed to a lot of sneezing and coughing children. So, she chooses to be safe rather than sorry.
MacDonald had strong added incentive this year to join several others who patiently waited their turn for the flu shot Monday at the Murphy’s pharmacy on Queen Street.
She is currently receiving chemotherapy for cancer, and her doctor advised her to get the flu shot to avoid further complicating her already ill health.
Health and Wellness Minister James Aylward says the province is providing free flu shots to all Islanders in an effort to minimize the impact of the flu in P.E.I. this year.
Also, for the first time this year, high dose influenza vaccine will be offered to all Island seniors free of charge, he says.
“Getting a flu shot is a quick and easy way to protect ourselves, our families and our communities; it is an important step we can all take to stay healthy this flu season.’’
The vaccine is currently available at public health clinics, pharmacies and nurse practitioners’ and physicians’ offices.
Call 1-844-975-3303 to make an appointment with public health for a flu shot or visit princeedwardisland.ca/flu for more information and clinic locations.
Morrison adds there are many vaccines recommended for adults. All Islanders over the age of 65 should also get a pneumococcal (Pneu-P-23) vaccine, which helps protect against pneumococcal disease including a serious type of pneumonia, blood infections and meningitis.
Islanders can take the adult immunization self-assessment tool anytime to find out what other vaccines they may need.
In addition to getting a flu shot, Islanders should work to limit the spread of any respiratory illness by properly washing hands frequently, covering coughs and sneezes and staying at home if sick.
