No shortage of free flu shot

Despite rumblings there are shortages of the flu vaccine in the Interior Health region, the authority stresses that isn’t the case.

Instead Renee Liddicoat, with the Influenza Immunization Program at Interior Health, says there is a delay in re-supplying some of the regions community vaccine providers, such as pharmacies.

“Because of the high initial demand at the beginning of the influenza immunization program, we experienced some delays in re-supplying our community vaccine providers.”

Liddicoat adds Interior Health receives its vaccine supplies in increments from the BC Centre for Disease Control, which is then distributed by the health authority accordingly.

“We are always doing a vaccine inventory and we really closely monitor it so if we identify a community that is in need of the vaccine, we try and transfer it from an area with a surplus to the area that is in more of a need.”

Interior Health has been assured there is sufficient quantity of vaccine in the province to immunize those who want the shot.

However, Interior Health is responsible for providing the publicly funded vaccine, which is the free vaccine, but do not supply the flu shot that is available for a fee.

“The vaccine available for a fee is a private supply that pharmacists have available on hand, and these two supplies are not interchangeable,” she says.

Liddicoat encourages the public to check with their pharmacy first to ensure the vaccine is in stock before they leave home.

Those attending free flu clinics can be assured there are enough vaccines for those wanting them.

For more information on immunization or vaccine schedules click here.