Over half of Atlantic Canadians plan on getting the flu shot this year, while 51 percent are tired of vaccines, according to a survey by Abacus Data on behalf of the Canadian Pharmacist Association.
The province says appointments are now available to book to get the jab in Nova Scotia, with respiratory viruses really starting to make their rounds.
“The respiratory viruses circulating this fall, including influenza and COVID, are still very much a concern. Protecting those most at risk requires that even healthy individuals roll up their sleeves,” says Rose Dipchand, Senior Director of Pharmacy and Professional Affairs at Pharmasave. “Vaccines are the most safe and effective tools we have to help prevent illness and reduce the spread and the potential strain on the health care system.”
The latest respiratory watch report says there were 10 new cases of the flu, 930 cases of COVID and 9 new cases of RSV in the first two weeks of October.
Last year the combination of respiratory viruses put a significant strain on the health care system, and as health care workers prepare for another ‘tripledemic’, pharmacists encourage everyone to roll up their sleeves.
Pharmacists recommend getting the shot early, as it takes two weeks to fully kick-in.
