CORNWALL, Ontario – Influenza immunization for the general public launched on Monday, Oct. 22.
According to Eslam Hamed, Pharmacist and Owner of Shoppers Drug Mart at Brookdale Ave., there are three available vaccine products that protect against four flu viruses this year. Hamed understands that the immunization options are projected to be more preventative than last year’s vaccines.
“Right now we are offering flu shots at all operating times, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., walk in, no appointment,” said Hamed.
The Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care explains that the regular flu shot, Quadrivalent Inactivated Vaccines (QIVs) are available for individuals of greater than six months of age, via intramuscular injection. A nasal spray, known as Quadrivalent – Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine (Q-LAIV), is also available for individuals older than six months of age. A High-Dose Trivalent Inactivated Vaccine (high-dose TIV), an intramuscular injection, is available for individuals 65 years of age or older.
Hamed stated that the High-Dose Trivalent vaccine, available for seniors, is not offered at his pharmacy.
“Having the vaccination doesn’t mean that you are for sure not going to get the flu,” said Hamed. “It carries your immunity a bit, but if there is another flu virus circulating during this season, the vaccine you got wouldn’t be as effective.”
“I would encourage everyone to get the flu shot. It helps the whole community to not develop an outbreak,” added Hamed.
Hamed recognizes that there have been a few outbreaks in the city in the last few years and says that getting a flu shot will be especially beneficial towards protecting our large senior population.
