Parents who want to book a flu shot for children under five might have to look at getting a nasal spray through a pharmacy or wait a little longer to get into a public health unit.
Due to a shortage of public health nurses, many health units in the capital region are looking into December for next available flu-shot appointments.
Elizabeth Post tried to book flu shots for her children Anders, 5, and Frances, 2, at a Victoria public health clinic on Wednesday and was told to call back at the end of the month for possible appointments in December.
She had previously tried to book the shots through her family doctor two weeks ago, but was told those spots were taken, although she was given information about public health clinics.
Post, who got her flu shot in a private flu clinic at her husband’s workplace, said she wishes she was given more direction from public health when she called to book appointments. “I’m certain I’m not the only one having trouble booking shots for children.”
Pharmacists in the province — in drugstores, large supermarkets and big-box stores — are receiving the bulk of flu shot doses, but they are not permitted to give injectable doses to children age six months to five years. Public health units are administering flu shots for this group.
Pharmacists can, however, give children ages two to 17 the nasal-spray version.
Health authorities are also planning to hold flu-shot clinics in schools this year.
Several public health unit clinics contacted on Friday said November clinics are full and they are awaiting further instructions on how many openings they’ll have available for December.
Dr. Richard Stanwick, the Island’s chief medical health officer, said public health nurses are juggling between completing COVID booster shots for long-term care, assisted living and independent living facilities and seniors in the community deemed at high risk, while also delivering flu shots in public health clinics for kids.
“So it’s a balancing act between where the greatest need at the moment exists,” said Stanwick, adding everyone in health care is working flat out.
Canada’s National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommends that everyone six months and older get an annual influenza vaccination, with rare exceptions.
It’s free to anyone in B.C.
Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said it’s even more critical this year, as influenza is already circulating, people’s immunity is lower, colder weather is bringing people indoors and the holiday season is approaching.
Henry said the flu shot not only protects children but more vulnerable people around them.
The flu vaccine is available in one dose, but children nine and younger who have never had the vaccine are advised to have two doses four weeks apart.
Island Health said residents can book appointments through any public health clinic, not just their neighbourhood clinic, and recommends calling around.
FLU INFO ONLINE
• To find flu shots at pharmacies and clinics: immunizebc.ca/ clinics/flu/#8/49.246/-123.116
• To find Island Health public health flu clinics: islandfluclinics.ca
• For more information about the influenza vaccine: healthlinkbc.ca/healthlinkbc-files/inactivated-influenza-vaccine
