More Okanagan flu vaccines on the way

KELOWNA — More flu vaccines are being made available in the Okanagan but there’s a catch – you have to make an appointment including for upcoming public flu clinics.

Global News reported last week how there was a growing shortage of flu vaccines in the Okanagan.  At the time, the IHA said it was ordering more vaccines.  The IHA says an additional 10,000 are being shipped to the Okanagan and should arrive next week.

However, it says you have to make an appointment at its upcoming public flu clinics.

Here are the details:

Kelowna – The December 15 public drop-in clinic has been rescheduled. This clinic has been rescheduled as a series of “by appointment clinics” at all three health centres in the Central Okanagan (West Kelowna, Kelowna, Rutland) on the following dates: Dec. 22, 23, 29, and 30. The public is advised to call the West Kelowna, Kelowna or Rutland health centres to book an appointment.

Penticton – The December 11 public clinic has been cancelled. Due to timing of the arrival of vaccine, this clinic will be rolled into the next scheduled drop-in clinic for Penticton on December 18 at the Penticton Health Centre.

Summerland – The December 4 clinic that was postponed has been rescheduled as “by appointment clinics”. The public is advised to call the Summerland Health Centre to book an appointment.

Vernon – The December 4 and January 8 postponed clinics have been rescheduled as a larger drop-in clinic on January 15 at the Schubert Centre. In addition, the Vernon Health Centre will offer “by appointment clinics”. The public is advised to call the health centre to book an appointment.

The IHA says any remaining flu vaccines will be distributed to pharmacists and family doctors.