Flu and COVID-19 shots became available to the general public just days ago, and clinics in Ottawa are seeing a steady stream of people coming in to get immunized, with many saying they want to protect themselves and those around them. Allie Grant spends her days working near other people and she says she knows exactly how quickly a cough or a sneeze can spread. “I work in condos. So, I work with a lot of different age groups, a lot of different people,” said Grant. For her, getting the flu shot isn’t just about staying healthy, it’s about keeping others safe too. “People just need to care about each other. Because if I get the flu shot, then I don’t spread anything,” she said. Flu shots opened up to the general public on October 27, and so far, demand is high. “Busy, but I would say manageable. Pretty high demand for both COVID-19 and flu,” said Jordan Clark, a pharmacist at Shoppers Drug Mart. Experts say the vaccine is still the best defence against serious illness, especially for individuals who have a high-risk of experiencing serious side effects. “It’s really important. As we know, it’s the best way to prevent getting influenza this season. It prevents any complications as well. Not just for the individual getting the vaccine, but for those that may be around them, could be immunocompromised, have chronic conditions,” Clark said. “It also prevents spreading it to those people that may be at higher risk.” Seniors are among those most at risk. Marilyn Fehr, 89, says getting the flu shot is simply common sense. “If people would ignore the flu shot, then they’re very susceptible, especially at our age,” said Fehr. This year’s vaccine is formulated to target the strains expected to circulate most widely. Health Canada recommends anyone six months and older get immunized. “I’m usually the person that ends up taking care of everybody when they’re sick. I’m one of them. But still, there’s always a first time,” said Fenny Benoit, who was getting her shot. At Centrepointe Gabriel Drugs in Nepean, people have been lining up for flu shots daily. “The one challenge about the flu vaccines is keeping the supply versus the demand,” said owner and pharmacist Heidi Gabriel. For those who don’t like needles, some pharmacies offer alternative options. “It’s essentially nasal spray, they spray it into the nostril. However, it is not a publicly funded vaccine, so that means the ministry does not pay for it. It is an out-of-pocket expense,” Gabriel said. The spray costs about $50 but can be covered by insurance with a prescription from a doctor. As for Allie Grant, she says getting vaccinated is about doing her part, one small action that could make a big difference. “You don’t have to just think about yourself. You have to think about others as well,” she said.
