Can B.C. avoid another ‘twindemic’? British Columbians rolling up sleeves for flu shots

B.C. avoided a “twindemic” last year and the goal is to do that all over again this season. The province’s flu shot has been available for weeks now, with doses available through public health units, family doctors, and pharmacies.

Chris Chiew, who is London Drugs’ general manager of pharmacy, says they’re busy right now but that should slow down in the next couple of weeks. He thinks more people are getting flu shots this year, as COVID-19 cases remain high.

“Last year was an astronomical amount. It was actually the record amount ever that [the flu shot] has been administered. So, this year, we’re on pace to match last year,” he said.

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According to the BC Centre for Disease Control, only one flu case was recorded in the 2020-21 season.

As for this season, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry says a couple cases have been recorded so far.

“It is important, because of that we know it’s out there, that you do get your flu vaccine to protect yourself from any severe outcomes,” Chiew said.

When it comes to the COVID-19 shot, the vaccination rate has been slowly rising. As of Friday, 90.6 per cent of eligible British Columbians had received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, while 86.5 per cent had received two.

Chiew says some people may be putting off getting flu shots because they’ve been vaccinated against the novel coronavirus.

“They think, ‘Oh, I have the COVID [vaccine], I don’t need the flu vaccine right now.’ But we’re coming up to a busy time in December when people’s stresses start to go up. And we know when you’re stressed, your immune system goes down and you’re likelihood to get an infection is going to increase, as a result.”

You won't have to pay out of pocket to get a flu shot in B.C. this year.
The province is offering the flu shot free of charge to everyone older than six months
Previously, it was only free to those deemed 'high risk' of severe reaction and/or spreading it to vulnerable ppl

— Lasia Kretzel (@rhymeswpretzel) October 19, 2021

There’s plenty of supply for both vaccines and Henry has said there’s no reason you need to wait between the flu and COVID shots.

He says the flu strain this year is a familiar one. While some new ones have popped up in other parts of the world, Chiew says the vaccine given in B.C. will give you protection you from that as well.

The flu shot is free this year for everyone six months of age and older. Pharmacists can administer doses to British Columbians aged five and up.