SIOUX LOOKOUT, Ont. – Health officials across northwestern Ontario are reporting significantly higher demand for the flu shot this year, but the Northwestern Health Unit (NWHU) says there’s no need to fear a shortage.
While pharmacies in the region have at times run short on doses, the health unit is assuring the public those supplies are being replenished regularly by the provincial government, and there is no current shortage.
“NWHU will add additional flu shot appointments to their clinics as vaccine is received from the Ministry of Health throughout the fall,” the agency stated in a press release. “Pharmacies are also experiencing high public interest in flu shots and are using most of their supply in a short time, as they receive additional vaccine every week.”
It’s an assessment echoed by Pam Delgaty, clinical director and lead nurse practitioner at the Lakehead Nurse Practitioner Led Clinic in Thunder Bay.
“I’ve been a nurse practitioner for 20 years and there has never been a demand like this,” she said at a drive-through flu shot clinic offered earlier this week.
While the high demand may have led to periodic shortages in some locations, Dr. Kit Young Hoon, Medical Officer of Health at NWHU, said it was a positive sign that’s likely to reduce spread of the flu in the region this year.
The NWHU, which serves the Rainy River district and much of the Kenora district, encouraged residents to book a flu shot through their health care provider, local pharmacy, or the health unit itself at www.nwhu.on.ca or 1-866-468-2240.
Residents in the Thunder Bay District Health Unit’s catchment area can access information on the flu shot at the agency’s website.
