By Janice Harvey, RPh, CDE
It’s September 25 and we have not yet received our flu and COVID-19 vaccines for the fall campaign. We are getting many, many questions about when we expect to start vaccinating and how to book your appointments, so let’s see if we give you an overview of what to expect this year.
When will pharmacies receive vaccine?
Vaccines are provided to pharmacies in specific allotments. Those pharmacies that provide significant quantities of vaccine (based on the number of vaccinations given in previous years) will receive larger allotments. The first shipment of flu vaccine will arrive in all pharmacies by the end of next week and should be sufficient for a couple weeks of appointments. COVID-19 vaccines will arrive later, with the Moderna mRNA vaccine expected by October 9. We do not yet know when the Pfizer mRNA vaccine will arrive.
How soon can you book your appointments?
Invitations for both flu and COVID-19 shots will be sent out from October 8 to 16. The government determines the start date, which is coordinated so that all pharmacies can start vaccinating on the same day. This year, the vaccination campaign will start on Tuesday, October 15.
Please note: If you are specifically wanting the Pfizer mRNA vaccine, you might want to schedule your appointment for later in October, as we do not yet know when that will be shipped to us.
What’s the best way to book your appointment?
There’s no right answer to this question. Here are four options:
- The most efficient method is to book online by clicking on the link provided in your invitation. If we have any open appointments, then you can find us by searching for Medicine Shoppe #414 in Courtenay.
- If you don’t have computer access, another good option is to call 1-833-838-2323. This phone number will be answered by people who can see all locations that have appointments available.
- At the beginning of the season, the website and direct phone line can get overloaded. You can phone us to have us help you book an appointment at our pharmacy. However, please keep in mind that we will be busy dispensing prescriptions and providing other pharmacy services, as well as vaccinations. We try our best to be accommodating, but we may have to phone you back later in the day, perhaps even the next day.
- We acknowledge that our appointments book up very quickly! And due to limited supply in the first month, all of our vaccine is usually accounted for, with no extra for walk-ins initially. If you are not in a hurry to get your shots, you might want to wait. Remember, flu season peaks in mid- to late-November. It is not necessary to be vaccinated in the first few weeks.
Which flu and COVID-19 vaccines will be available this year?
There are four publicly funded influenza vaccine products available for the upcoming fall season: FluMist® (an intranasal vaccine for ages 2 to 17), FluLaval® Tetra and Fluzone® Quadrivalent (ages 6 months and up, including seniors), and Fluad® (a trivalent vaccine that provides a stronger immune response, but is publicly funded only for individuals 65 years of age and older).
If Fluad® is not available due to a limited supply, it is preferable to get one of the other standard-dose vaccines rather than wait until a supply of Fluad® is available. While Fluzone® High-Dose may be available at some pharmacies and travel clinics, it is not publicly funded and we will not be providing it in our pharmacy. There is insufficient evidence to suggest that it provides greater protection than Fluad®.
COVID-19 vaccine details are yet to be confirmed. Health Canada is reviewing several submissions. The mRNA vaccines by Pfizer and Moderna target the KP.2 strain, whereas the Novavax vaccine targets an earlier JN.1 strain. It is possible that the only available options will be the mRNA vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna. We have no way to know in advance what we will be receiving. We cannot always provide you with a choice of Pfizer or Moderna, as it will depend on what is available.
We’re ready!
We have already ordered in all our supplies: from alcohol wipes to syringes, plus those oh-so-important little post-vaccination chocolates! We will look forward to seeing you for vaccinations over the next few months.