Flu season runs from late fall to early spring, and the flu causes about 12,200 hospitalizations and 3,500 deaths in Canada each year
Flu season runs from late fall to early spring, and the flu causes about 12,200 hospitalizations and 3,500 deaths in Canada each year.
Flu shots are the best defence against the flu, and there is a new high-dose flu vaccine available in Ontario. The University of Waterloo has experts available to speak with the media about the flu shot.
Nancy Waite - School of Pharmacy and co-lead of the Ontario Pharmacy Evidence Network
Waite is a pharmacist and professor at the Waterloo School of Pharmacy. Her research examines pharmacists-as-immunizers, medication management, and pharmacist scope of practice.
“Community pharmacists administer over a million flu vaccinations every year in Ontario, with about one-third given to seniors. Despite this, pharmacists were not given authority to deliver the new high-dose flu vaccine recommended for seniors free of charge.
"Seniors have to go to a public health clinic or their doctor's office to access this vaccine. This decision from the Ministry of Health is confusing and unfair to seniors, as it limits their ability to access this potentially life-saving vaccination conveniently."
Kelly Grindrod, School of Pharmacy, lead of Pharmacy 5in5
Grindrod is an Associate Professor cross-appointed to the School of Pharmacy and the School of Public Health. She is a pharmacist who researches how mobile and social technologies can promote the safe and effective use of medications.
“Influenza is dangerous for many people. As we start the annual influenza vaccine clinics in our workplaces, pharmacies, and healthcare spaces, people need to think ahead. Injection injuries are rare but easily avoided with proper landmarking by healthcare providers and by wearing short-sleeved shirts to get a vaccine.”
Sherilyn Houle - School of Pharamcy and co-leader of the Pharmacists as Immunizers project
Houle is a pharmacist and Assistant Professor at the Waterloo School of Pharmacy and cross-appointed with the School of Public Health. Her research examines clinical and economic outcomes of pharmacist scope of practice activities and the role pharmacists can play in delivering care, especially for travel health and immunizations.
“Pharmacists offer the public a convenient and accessible option for receiving a number of vaccinations, including against influenza. This convenience may be especially advantageous for working adults who can be immunized without having to book an appointment, and across longer operating hours than many other immunization providers.”
