Families are being urged to get children flu vaccines before the holiday season

MERRITT – With the holiday season coming up, public-health officials and local pharmacists are encouraging families to get their kids vaccinated against influenza.

“As we head into the holiday season, I strongly encourage families and caregivers to get their children vaccinated against influenza, especially if they’re planning to spend time with elderly loved ones,” said Dr. Bonnie Henry, Provincial Health Officer. “I know families are busy, especially at this time of year, but it is important to make this part of your plans. To help, we are making it even easier to get your child immunized in the coming days. This helps ensure everyone can stay healthy and enjoy the festivities.”

In part of the push, the influenza vaccine program throughout B.C. will be doing a series of clinics over the next couple of weeks, including two taking place in Merritt:

• December 8
  • 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
    • Merritt Public Health office
      • 3451 Voght Street
• December 15
  • 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
    • Merritt Public Health office
      • 3451 Voght Street

Due to supply shortages, Black’s Pharmacy is the only local pharmacy which is providing flu shots right now.

“It is the holiday season, we are all going to be gathering in large groups and I think that the more people that are vaccinated will help everyone stay healthy throughout the holiday season,” said Blaine Martens, Owner and Pharmacist of Blacks Pharmacy. “So if you can get vaccinated do it for yourself and do it for your family.”

Martens added that they will be administering flu vaccines between 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. today (December 6) and tomorrow (December 7) and then their supply will be out as well.

According to officials, many children have not been exposed to the flu and other respiratory illnesses following two years of low influenza rates due to COVID-19, this is why they are urging children to get vaccinated.

Throughout B.C., immunizations are free for everyone six months and older. Children that are two years old or older have the option to get the traditional flu shot or a nasal spray vaccine. Those under nine that have never been giving the vaccine, need to receive two doses.

“Since it began in October, we have had a very enthusiastic response to the influenza campaign,” said Dr. Penny Ballem, executive lead for B.C.’s vaccine operations program. “At health authority clinics, community pharmacies and health-care provider offices, we’ve vaccinated over 1.5 million people, but the uptake has been low for children. We would like to invite all parents and caregivers of children who have not received the influenza vaccine to register their kids in the Get Vaccinated system and book an appointment. Our health authority clinics are flexible for those who wish to drop in, and many family physicians have influenza vaccine to vaccinate children in their offices.”