B.C. Health Officer Warns Supply of Flu Vaccine Dwindling
Prince George, B.C.- Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Perry Kendall says the supply of flu vaccine is dwindling in B.C. and there may be some gaps before new doses of vaccine arrive.
Nearly 1.4 million BC residents have received the flu shot this year, that’s a record high and very close to the number of doses of flu vaccine ordered by the Province of B.C. ( 1.401 million).
Northern Health spokesperson, Jonathon Dyck, says while he cannot speak for the supply of vaccine at pharmacies or Doctors offices, Northern Health has an adequate supply at this time and is redistributing those doses to facilities under its umbrella as needed.
The Province has ordered more vaccine, another 5,000 doses should arrive next week, with a further 3,000 expected the following week. In addition the Province has ordered another 13,000 doses.
There is another vaccination clinic set for tomorrow at the Northern Health Unit on Edmonton Street from 1-7 pm. Two more clinics have been added with Clinics set for Friday the 24th and Friday the 31st, from 1-3:30 each day at the Northern Health Clinic.
Should the supply of vaccine run out before the additional doses have arrived in BC, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Kendall is advising people who have not yet been vaccinated to take the usual preventive measures, such as regular hand washing, staying home when sick and avoiding contact with those who are at high risk to develop complications from the flu.
This year's influenza season is not more severe than past seasons, and the vast majority of those impacted by influenza make a complete recovery after seven to 10 days of illness. The relatively rare, more serious complications of this year's strain have affected a younger-than-usual segment of the population.
Comments
Gotta wonder how much this is costing the taxpayer. How many of those 1.4 million shots were given away free? If you’re really that worried about getting the flu 20 bucks isn’t too much for peace of mind is it?
How much does it cost the taxpayer if people get sick?
How much does it cost the taxpayer if the sick people pay less taxes because they are not working?
I think there’s an argument to be made that it should be offered to everyone for free.
Like all vaccines, we are shooting for herd immunity. Not everyone vaccinated is immune, but if each sick person infects fewer people, then the sickness will die out and not become an outbreak. Vaccines work best when everyone has it.
axman says “Gotta wonder how much this is costing the taxpayer.”
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One way or an other, 100 per cent is paid by taxpayers. It is your choice to take advantage of what the experts say is best practice or not, opting out of paying for the provincial health care schema is not an current option.
Yikes! 1.4 million zombies when the zombie apocalypse hits!! haha
The cost to a pharmacy from a drug wholesaler is ~$8.50 per shot. I’m almost certain that the BC Government negotiated a bulk purchase price.
Dr’s offices get paid $10.50 per shot I believe and pharmacies get paid $10.00 per shot if I recall what I read.
So each “free” flu shot is, at most, $19.00
And yes, $20 is a small price that I’d be willing to pay for a flu shot.
I’ve never had a flu shot. It’s been at least 7 years since I’ve been sick I don’t really think the flu shot is necessary
The flu vaccines takes at least two weeks to have an effect on the immune system. During that time one can still get the flu. Hopefully within the next two to three weeks the flu virus will have passed on to greener pastures.
In fact the vaccine is less than 60 percent effective, so the herd idea is a non starter.
Why are so many health professionals still refusing to get a flu shot?
The flu shot might work maybe….. Not going to subject my body to a maybe.
“Why are so many health professionals still refusing to get a flu shot?”
Exactly PrinceGeorge!
Most healthcare professionals do get the shot. It is only a minority that don’t. Like anything, you’re not going to have 100% compliance.
ohhhh running low…sounds like fear tactics to me….
Posted by: anotherside on January 16 2014 12:57 PM
axman says “Gotta wonder how much this is costing the taxpayer.”
——————————————–
One way or an other, 100 per cent is paid by taxpayers. It is your choice to take advantage of what the experts say is best practice or not, opting out of paying for the provincial health care schema is not an current option.
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The shot is only free if you meet the criteria; otherwise they charge you 20 bucks. What I’m saying is that the user should be paying for it if they’re that concerned about getting the flu. I could have claimed to have asthma and gotten it for free but that’s not my style. (Of course, there are those who argue that I have no style. Or class. :) )
When 3 pharmacists tell me the flu shot is injecting Chicken embryo in to me, don’t like that idea. They all said they would not get a flu shot. Think Carpenter is right.
I don’t like fear mongering and to tell us it’s dwindling well…..
“Like anything, you’re not going to have 100% compliance.”
When it comes to one’s body and what goes into it, an individual’s choice must be respected so I agree that 100% compliance can only be achieved by government coercion and disrespect of basic human rights.
That is especially important when benefits of a treatment are questionable or when there are no benefits or worse yet, even cause harm.
Speaking of basic human rights did you know it is not illegal to video tape police officers. I. Was at the park on Canada day and taped a confrontation with youth and they told me to turn it of or I’d be arrested
Probably some clause in the Youth Offenders act, protection of minors or something like it.
They could have told you the reason why you were not allowed to do this. Did you ask?
No I checked the law after. If your in a public place with no expectation of privacy you can record them. The cop was afraid of misconduct from the way he was handling the situation
Fundamental Freedoms
Fundamental freedoms
2. Everyone has the following fundamental freedoms:
(a) freedom of conscience and religion;
(b) freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression, including freedom of the press and other media of communication;
(c) freedom of peaceful assembly; and
(d) freedom of association.
many healthcare professionals agree to the immunization because they do not want to wear a facemask all day at work. only options are get the shot or wear a mask…..or look for a new career.
Saw in the news two nurses in California ending up fired for refusing to submit to a flu vaccination as part of keeping the job!
The cop was bullshitting you…..besides you weren’t taking a video of him you were taking a video of the scenery.
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