Flu shot alternative nasal spray runs low

A less scary alternative to the flu shot, the province is offering nasal spray to youth aged 2-17 this year.

But already, the supply is limited.

Manitoba Health started holding free immunization clinics around the province this week.

Thursday, the clinic at Headingley Community Centre posted a sign on the door that stated the flu mist was unavailable due to a manufacturing delay.

Some parents opted to get their child a needle instead.

The clinic did not say when the supply would be replenished.

It’s unclear if other locations than Headingley experienced the same issue.

In a media conference Wednesday, Dr. Michael Routledge, the chief provincial public health officer, said he did not anticipate a shortage of the flu vaccine, but said there is no point for Manitobans to wait to get a flu shot.

On Friday, a Public Health spokesperson released a statement.

"The Province informed providers in July to be aware of a delay for the FluMist Quadrivalent after being notified by Astrazeneca of a production delay," said the spokesperson. "Manitoba received a portion of its order of the nasal spray earlier this week and has started shipping doses to providers in the same priority order used to distribute Fluzone Quadrivalent, Manitoba’s other allotted flu vaccine."

"Although not all providers will receive FluMist Quadrivalent immediately, it will be available in all regions of the province by the end of next week. We encourage Manitobans to get their flu shot."