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
LIVE B.C. seeks ban on using drugs in 'all public spaces,' shifting approach to decriminalization
The B.C. government is moving to have drug use banned in 'all public spaces,' marking a major shift in the province's approach to decriminalization.
Air traveller complaints to Canadian Transportation Agency hit new high
The Canadian Transportation Agency has hit a record high of more than 71,000 complaints in a backlog. The quasi-judicial regulator and tribunal tasked with settling disputes between customers and the airlines says the backlog is growing because the number of incoming complaints keeps increasing.
Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
More than 115 cases of eye damage reported in Ontario after solar eclipse
More than 115 people who viewed the solar eclipse in Ontario earlier this month experienced eye damage after the event, according to eye doctors in the province.
U.S. flight attendant indicted in attempt to record teen girl in airplane bathroom
An American Airlines flight attendant was indicted Thursday after authorities said he tried to secretly record video of a 14-year-old girl using an airplane bathroom last September.
76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid says he has Bell's palsy
Philadelphia 76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid has been diagnosed with Bell’s palsy, a form of facial paralysis he says has affected him since before the play-in tournament.
AFN chief says Air Canada offered a 15% discount after her headdress was mishandled
After the Assembly of First Nations' national chief complained to Air Canada about how staffers treated her and her ceremonial headdress on a flight this week, she says the airline responded by offering a 15 per cent discount on her next flight.
Trump's lawyers try to discredit testimony of prosecution's first witness in hush money trial
Donald Trump's defence team attacked the credibility Friday of the prosecution's first witness in his hush money case, seeking to discredit testimony detailing a scheme between Trump and a tabloid to bury negative stories to protect the Republican's 2016 presidential campaign.