COVID-19 drives up demand for flu shots; N.S. to launch campaign later this week
With the colder winds of fall starting to blow, flu season will soon be on us again, but it seems scores of people are hoping to head off the sickness by getting a flu shot.
Unlike last year, when it was essentially pre-empted by COVID-19, experts say influenza will be back this year.
Just hours after getting a shipment and posting signage outside lineups started to form inside a north end Halifax pharmacy.
"We just got our flu shots, and people start showing up right away," said pharmacist and store owner Ghada Gabr.
"I think this is going to be a lot of demand."
It's the same story a few blocks away, where pharmacist Greg Richard is expecting his first shipment of flu vaccine later this week.
With COVID-19 still around, customers like Kathy Lynch, who hasn't had a flu shot in five years, is anxious to get one.
"I mean, I feel great. I've had no problem with either of the vaccinations, so, to put another layer on top is just the best thing, I think," she said.
"People are eager to get their doses into them right off the bat," said Richard. "They're not looking to wait until November or December. So, I have a list of folks I'm going to reach out to as soon as they (the vaccines) arrive, and I anticipate to run through my stock pretty quickly."
And it might very turn out to be the same thing across the country.
There's word today Ontario has ordered an extra 1.4 million doses, with an aim to make the shots available to everyone by next month.
In Nova Scotia, the Health Minister says the official kickoff will come later this week, and supply should not be a problem,
"We do anticipate having enough vaccine for folks," said Michelle Thompson.
"And I would really encourage people to ensure they have both their COVID-19 vaccine and the influenza vaccine this year."
But, if early demand is any indication there might not be need for much encouragement.
A sign of the times as more and more of us take steps to avoid getting sick.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NDP motion regarding Palestinian statehood passes after major Liberal alterations
A motion from the federal New Democrats initially calling on Canada to recognize the 'State of Palestine' passed amid widespread acrimony on Monday, after the Liberals drastically altered its wording to see the government simply work towards that aim as part of a two-state solution.
'He didn't want to die': Family of Calgary man killed in standoff speaks out
Family of a Calgary man killed after a 30-hour standoff with police last week are speaking out, sharing details of the tense and heart-wrenching experience.
Toronto family doctor who called patient's body 'perfect' suspended for 3 months: tribunal
A family doctor in Toronto has been suspended for three months after a disciplinary tribunal found that he failed to follow proper protocols while examining a patient's breasts and made inappropriate comments about her body.
Ohio mom who left toddler alone 10 days when she went on vacation pleads guilty to aggravated murder
An Ohio mother whose 16-month-old daughter died after being left home alone in a playpen for 10 days last summer while she went on vacation was sentenced Monday to life in prison with no chance of parole.
Retired teacher pleads guilty to paying for sex with 15-year-old in Collingwood, Ont.
In a Barrie courtroom on Monday, a retired high school teacher from the Niagara Region pleaded guilty to sexual touching and obtaining sexual services from a 15-year-old boy in Collingwood in 2021.
Hertz CEO out following electric car 'horror show'
The company, which announced in January it was selling 20,000 of the electric vehicles in its fleet, or about a third of the EVs it owned, is now replacing the CEO who helped build up that fleet, giving it the company’s fifth boss in just four years.
5 charged in Calgary kidnappings that targeted women
Calgary police have charged five men in a pair of kidnappings last year that targeted innocent victims.
Demand soars for solar eclipse glasses in Canada. Are they worth buying?
The demand for total solar eclipse glasses used to safely view the rare celestial event has been ramping up as sellers, along with astronomy and eye-care experts in Canada, warn that viewing the eclipse with the naked eye is dangerous.
Canadian commander of volunteer fighter group dies in Ukraine
A Canadian-born commander of the so-called Norman Brigade, a volunteer fighting group in Ukraine, has died.