Image Credit: CFJC Today

By Anthony Corea

VACCINES AVAILABLE

Kamloops pharmacies seeing uptick in vaccinations ahead of flu season

Oct 31, 2024 | 6:00 PM

KAMLOOPS – B.C. is in the third week of rolling out influenza and COVID-19 vaccines. The province is seeing an uptick this year, including right here in Kamloops. Pharmacies administered almost 82,000 vaccinations the first day they became available on October 15.

“The updated vaccines are available,” said Dr. Andy Delli Pizzi, medical health officer with Interior Health. “Vaccines that protect against influenza and COVID illness are really important ways that people can protect themselves. They’re really effective at preventing against serious outcomes, especially in those at high risk.”

Many have already received their shots. BC pharmacies report 60 per cent of patients are getting the influenza vaccine and 40 per cent are getting the COVID-19 shot. Local pharmacies like Pharmasave in Aberdeen are seeing an increase in traffic.

“We’re into week three of the flu and COVID campaign for 2024. It’s been really busy,” said Pharmasave’s Julie Ford. “There’s actually been an increase in uptake since last year. I think all the pharmacies and health units and other providers that are giving the vaccines, we’re up at about 400,000 per week for the whole province.”

Sound Off

SOUND OFF: Cutting carbon emissions can be easy and accessible to Kamloops residents

Oct 30, 2024

Question of the Week

Do you have confidence in the vote-counting carried out by Elections BC?

Oct 28, 2024

Week in Review

Week in Review: Week of Oct. 21

Oct 26, 2024

A possible reason behind the uptick is the flexibility available for patients. Manshadi Pharmacy says these days, immunizations are easily provided.

“If somebody comes in and they ask for a shot, we immediately give them their shots,” said Missagh Manshadi of Manshadi Pharmacy. “We go to the Immunize BC (website) and we register them. They aren’t really required to fill out any kind of forms anymore. We just ask for their consent, and we give them their shots.”

Other measures to prevent getting sick include covering coughs, washing your hands and avoiding others if you have a cough or a fever.