Image Credit: Kent Simmonds / CFJC Today

By Dylana Kneeshaw

RESPIRATORY SEASON UPDATE

Pharmacies cite healthy demand for seasonal shots; pneumonia vaccines still available for 65+ population

Nov 14, 2025 | 4:17 PM

KAMLOOPS — Respiratory illness tends to ramp up during the colder months and pharmacists say it’s not too late to get seasonal flu and COVID shots.

“People are more educated, I feel, and they see there is a benefit, so therefore they go and they get their shots,” says Missagh Manshadi, the owner of Manshadi Pharmacies in Kamloops.

He says demand seems to be higher this year, though there have been some problems in getting enough flu and COVID vaccines in at the same time. Supplies eventually arrive, but the pharmacy says there have been more instances where people had to get their shots on two separate visits.

“For COVID shots it’s been difficult to get that much COVID (vaccine) in. Today, I received ten COVID shots and I will administer it for the most vulnerable people,” he notes.

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Pneumonia is another illness vaccines can protect against, according to Manshadi, and those immunizations are recommended to people 65 years of age and older.

“That shot is only one shot, usually, and it is good for life, because it’s not viral and it is bacterial. Just a reminder to the public that if you are 65 years or older, you should get your pneumonia shot, as well,” he adds.

Flu and COVID shot appointments can be booked online or called in ahead of time and many pharmacies are offering walk-in appointments.