By Dave Branco

vaccine

Flu vaccine challenges

Nov 7, 2022 | 4:11 PM

PRINCE GEORGE -Northern Health started the influenza vaccine campaign almost three weeks ago. The number of people rolling up their sleeves to get the shot has been more than ever.

The influx of people has slowed those wanting to get their shots promptly.

According to Dr. Jong Kim, Northern Health Chief Medical Health, he has seen many people getting their flu shot in the first few weeks of the flu campaign.

The pinching points vary from each community within Northern Health, from supply distribution to staffing capacity.

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The recent COVID vaccine mandate has changed many people’s minds on the importance of vaccines.

“ Before with the flu shots, there was less interest, people might not feel the need to get them if they don’t have anyone in their family that’s immunocompromised or suppressed. With COVID, people found that it was affecting everyone regardless of immunocompromised. So when people sort of got more into the vaccines and maybe got more educated on the subject.”

Brett Chiasson I.D.A, Pharmacist

Health officials say the best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year.

Even with the pinching points, Dr. Kim says the best way is to book your flu vaccine through the Get Vaccinated system, the same system you used to book your COVID-19 vaccine appointments.

Dr. Kim says the Northern Health region is not at its peak of flu season, but they do see earlier than usual activity on the number of people with the flu.