Prepare to wait for your flu shot if you’re living in Summerland and Vernon. Interior Health has run out of the vaccine and has been forced to postpone clinics.
“We’ve certainly seen busier uptake than usual this fall and we have seen quite a significant increase in requests for vaccines from our community vaccine providers,” says Interior Health regional knowledge coordinator, Heather Way. “Then on top of that we’ve actually had some delays from the manufacturers that have lead to shipments arriving later than we would usually get them.”
“Interior Health would like to assure Summerland residents that this is a temporary situation,” says Interior Health communications officer, Lesley Coates.
While there is no date for clinics to be rescheduled in Summerland, in Vernon they have been postponed until the middle of January.
“Those eligible for the publicly funded vaccine may still be able to get the vaccine through physicians and pharmacies,” says Coates. “The public is advised to call vaccine providers ahead to ensure vaccine is available.”
“We have quite a long waiting list of people who are wishing to be called,” says Greg Becotte, a pharmacist in Enderby. “When we only received 40 to 60 shots at a time we can’t even touch that list so many people still haven’t received call backs and when we do receive a supply we usually do go through it within a day.”
Interior Health says more of the vaccine has been ordered.
Interior Health says there is flu vaccine available across the region in limited amounts. If you are wondering where you can get vaccinated, you can visit Immunize BC’s flu clinic locator. Interior Health also suggests calling ahead as the clinic locator may not be fully up to date.
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