WELLINGTON COUNTY – It’s flu season and there’s still COVID-19, so this will be a tricky season to administer the flu vaccine.
But doctors, pharmacies and the public health unit are encouraging everyone to get the shot if they can.
Demand is up this year, though Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health (WDGPH) officials say reports of a flu vaccine shortage are overstated.
“There is more demand for the flu vaccine this year but the rumour that there is not enough supply is not correct. There is enough supply to meet the demand,” said Danny Williamson, spokesperson for WDGPH.
Influenza is not COVID-19 although they share some symptoms.
And the influenza vaccine has no medical benefit against COVID-19.
But it does protect against the flu virus, and that’s “especially important this year for two reasons,” Williamson said.
“Reducing the impact of the flu means less demand on our health care system as we combat the global pandemic. And it reduces the likelihood that someone could contract the flu, in addition to COVID-19.”
Kim Bell, executive director of the East Wellington Family Health Team (EWFHT), agreed.
“From a systems perspective, if there is flu and COVID-19 in the community, we are overtaxing our health care system,” she said.
Bell noted EWFHT hasn’t received its allotment of the influenza vaccine yet, but it filled 300 appointment spots within 48 hours.
More may come in the future “but we have heard from public health there is a supply that needs to be spread through Wellington County,” she said.
“This year the demand is unprecedented.”
As one would expect, the shots will be administered differently. There will be no drop-in flu clinics.
No matter where you get your shot, you’ll have to make an appointment first.
Flu vaccinations are offered at public health offices, at pharmacies, at long-term care facilities, and at family doctors’ offices.
Children under age five can only be vaccinated by a doctor or public health. Pharmacies cannot do it.
But they can vaccinate anyone over age five, including seniors who may want the high dose vaccination.
Bell said they are prioritizing patients at her family health team.
“Our children under five and patients with complex health profiles are at higher risk. We are encouraging people without complications to try the pharmacy,” she said.
“This isn’t our first kick at flu shot clinics. We will do more when we get confirmation of the supply.”
Public health is offering appointments through a portal on its website. Appointments begin Oct. 19.
But due to COVID-19, there are additional safety measures:
- bring your own face covering. A face covering will be provided if you do not have one;
- arrive 15 minutes early for your appointment;
- when you have arrived in the parking lot, call reception and they will call you back when it’s time to go inside;
- have your upper arm visible;
- you will be taken to the clinical area for your immunization and then asked to wait in another area for 15 minutes after your shot. Clinic rooms will be cleaned and disinfected after each immunization appointment; and
- inform your doctor or primary care provider that you have received your flu immunization at public health.
Bell said cleaning and distancing restrictions mean a flu clinic that would normally see 33 patients can only accommodate 15.
There is a shortage of the high dose vaccine this year.
“Public health advises that you are better off receiving the regular dose flu shot than waiting a length of time for the high dose,” Bell said.
“Primary care is to receive flu vaccine after all long-term care facilities, all hospitals, and pharmacies have received their requested supply.”
Bell said there is good news coming from Australia, which is just coming out of its flu season.
“We look to them to get an idea of the flu season that’s coming and this year they’ve had a fairly mild flu season,” she said.
“Let’s hope that happens here, too.”
