PRINCE GEORGE—After calling multiple pharmacies and Northern Health, 75-year-old Janice Newman has been able to secure herself a high dose flu shot.
“The Hart Drug Mart, bless their souls. They are so wonderful. They were able to secure me, I got the last dose that was available out there at their other store at Phoenix Pharmacy,” said Newman.
Newman lives with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma—a type of cancer. She reached out to CKPG-TV on Tuesday because of her struggle to receive a high dose of the flu shot.
She says due to her age and condition, she was always eligible to receive a free dose. But this year, she was told she wasn’t able to get one.
Although she can have an ease of mind this flu season, the same can’t be said for others in a similar situation.
“I have a variety of friends and we all have different circumstances,” said Newman.
The Ministry of Health has provided clarification as to who can receive the free high dose flu shot.
The province says that adults who 65 and older and are living in long term care, assisted living, or First Nations communities are eligible.
Because these doses are publicly-funded, private long-term care and assisted living facilities aren’t eligible. Meaning they would need to purchase doses out of pocket.
The province says for other people who want to take the high dose shot, but can’t get one, should get whichever flu shot is available.
“Two years ago and in previous years, British Columbia received about 1.5 million, this year that number will be 2.4 million. That’s 200,000 more than last year when we got extra doses and that reflects the need right now.”
“Two years ago and in previous years, British Columbia received about 1.5 million, this year that number will be 2.4 million. That’s 200,000 more than last year when we got extra doses and that reflects the need right now,” said Adrian Dix, Health Minister.
CKPG-TV called ten pharmacies in Prince George on Wednesday, asking if there were any high dose flu shots available for purchase. All responded saying no.
Two pharmacies said over the phone that they had places orders for the high doses but were not sure when or if they were going to receive the shipment.
“Our wholesaler currently doesn’t have it in inventory. I actually don’t have a date when I could order more,” said Patrick Dinelle, Third Avenue Pharmacy Manager.
Dinelle says that people wanting to take the high dose, should take the free available normal flu shot.
“It’s still recommended to get any flu shot to get that protection in and the ones that we have funded right now by the government are called Quadrivalent. So they’re stronger than the flu shots that we typically have in the past so definitely get any flu shot to get that protection which is better than nothing,” said Dinelle.
The pharmacy adds that if the high doses are available for order soon, they’ll place it.
Newman says she’s planning on fighting for all seniors and is going to bring up the need for publicly available high dose shots to her MLAs.
“We’re in the process Yes, I’ve reached out to everybody I possibly can,” said Newman.
