The rest of this years’ flu shot batch is facing delays in getting to Vancouver Island, but Island Health says it’s not due to a shortage.
Dr. Dee Hoyano, a medical health officer with Island Health officer, there has been a shipping delay from the manufacturer of flu vaccines.
“We’ve been receiving sort of partial shipments of that order over the last few weeks and we’re expecting we should have the rest of the order received by mid-November,” Hoyano said. This year, over 260,000 doses have been ordered, similar to last year.
Hoyano said this means that complete orders for doctors and pharmacists haven’t been able to be filled, so some people may be waiting a bit longer to receive the vaccines.
The flu season runs from December to March, but there has already been some influenza activity in B.C.
“It’s certainly a good idea to get immunized as soon as you can,” Hoyano said.
According to Hoyano, it’s too early to say what the vaccine efficacy will be in regards to this year’s flu strains, Island Health is focused on preventing flu complications.
People at higher risk of complications include senior 65 years and older, very young children and people who have lung or heart diseases, certain chronic health conditions or weakened immune systems.
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