Push to get kids the flu shot since they can’t get the COVID-19 vaccine

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – Amid a devastating fourth wave of the pandemic, there is an urgent push to have children immunized for the flu, since those 11 and under aren’t able to be vaccinated against COVID-19 yet.

Chris Chiew, general manager of pharmacy at London Drugs, says it’s critical young people are protected against at least one of the two viruses that are circulating.

“People definitely should be thinking about it now, just like they did last year. We did a great job last flu season of actually stamping it out [and] this year we want to do the same thing,” he said, adding, flu shots also ease the burden on the healthcare system.

He says the flu shot is safe for children two years and older and those under eight can be innoculated through a local health unit or doctor’s office, while those nine years and older can get it at any local pharmacy, once it’s available.

The BC Centre of Disease Control (BCCDC) is getting supplies right now and it will be fanned out to their distribution centres soon.

If you haven't yet, the head of pharmacy w/@LondonDrugs wants you to think about getting the flu shot. He's emphasizing kids, who can't yet get the #COVID19 vaccine, get this one as a layer of protection/help ease the potential burden on the already overwhelmed healthcare system.

— Sonia Aslam (@SoniaSAslam) September 10, 2021

“What will happen is we will open up the booking system to book on our website to be able to actually come in and get it at a prescribed time. We actually had a record-number of flu shots at all of our stores last year because of the heightened awareness,” he explained.

Chiew says we didn’t have a ‘twindemic’ last year and he hopes that happens again this year.

“The flu is a known virus, we’ve lived it with for many, many, many years. And it’s a different virus than COVID and because we know how to actually take care of ourselves when we have the flu and how to prevent it, we want to make sure that we start talking to everybody about it right now.,” he said.

“All the things we did to try and prevent the spread of COVID, we know works well to prevent the flu. Making sure you wash your hands frequently, do stay home when you’re sick at the first signs of flu or cold symptoms and make sure you get the vaccine. Every year the flu virus changes, so the flu vaccine prepared for this year should be effective and it’s an added layer to make sure that we do prevent the spread of the flu,” Chiew urged.

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The 2020-2021 flu season saw just one pediatric influenza case in this province.

“Some of our stores, we were seeing anywhere from five to 10 times the number of people coming in [to get the flu shot,] which was quite significant.”

He says by late September or early October, people can start booking their appointments and they’ll be rolled out by mid-month. They’ll be available until about the beginning of spring.

Appointments can be made online, or by calling your local pharmacy.

However, due to high demand in the first two weeks most flu shot appointments book up fast, and people may have to wait. Demand typically slows in December.