When PEI’s weather starts to cool down, it’s a sign of respiratory viruses and flu season is just around the corner.
The province’s chief public health officer and local pharmacists are encouraging Islanders to get their flu and COVID-19 vaccines during the same appointment time.
If you’re brave enough, health workers say you can get more than one jab at once if needed.
“We’ve had patients who have gotten the flu, COVID-19 and shingles shots at the same time. The next day might be a washout for them, but at least they’re done with it,” said community member Michael Weal. She is a PEI pharmacist and regional coordinator for the Dalhousie University School of Pharmacy.
Weal said pharmacists began administering flu shots about a week ago. People 65 and older can receive the high-dose influenza vaccine for free. Young people can receive a regular flu shot for free.
Island Morning 8:56 How to protect yourself during flu season
The weather is getting cooler, which is a sign that flu season is approaching. We ask pharmacist Michael Weale for advice on when and how to get the vaccine.
Meanwhile, Moderna’s mRNA coronavirus vaccine has just arrived on the island, and Pfizer’s mRNA vaccine is expected to arrive in the coming weeks.
Weal said the pharmacy is already busy giving out flu shots and started receiving inquiries about appointments in late August. Public health officials are also preparing to open vaccine clinics soon.
The coronavirus vaccine and influenza vaccine can be given together, but health care providers recommend giving two doses at once because it is more effective.
PEI pharmacist Michael Weal said the COVID-19 vaccine made by Pfizer is expected to arrive on the island in the coming weeks. (Steven DeCross/Canadian Press/Associated Press)
“Certainly, most of the message was ‘one promise, two jabs,'” Mr Weal said. “The fear is that once you get one, you might not be able to come back to get the other one. We want to make sure you’re fully protected this year. ”
Pharmacists can now administer the coronavirus booster to anyone over the age of 5, as it is the same vaccine with different doses for children and adults.
“Finish it now.”
Weal said demand for the shingles vaccine has also increased since the state lowered the age for the free shot from 60 to 50 in September. Without this coverage, the two-shot set required for maximum protection would cost over $300.
People who can tolerate getting a shingles shot at the same time as a flu or COVID-19 shot should consider it, he said.
“Shingles is an opportunistic virus, and when your immune system is damaged, it kind of wakes up again,” Weal said.
“They’re worried that if we’re busy fighting a respiratory virus, we’re more likely to get shingles, so let’s act now.”
