Greg Buekert of Greg's Remedy Pharmacy is anticipating an increase in requests for flu vaccinations. (CHAT News photo)

By Alex McCuaig

'more important than ever before'

Flu season just around the corner with vaccine available this month

Oct 8, 2020 | 4:53 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Winter is coming with the traditional flu season accompanying it, this time during the current global pandemic. It’s a situation one city pharmacist says will likely lead to an increase in demand for the influenza vaccine.

According to Alberta Health Services, “influenza immunization is more important this season than ever before.”

Greg Buekert, owner of Greg’s Remedy Pharmacy, says that will likely be the case with the COVID-19 pandemic still challenging Albertans who are trying to stay healthy.

Buekert says the vaccine this year won’t only protect from the flu but will, “take the pressure off the health system … rather than being hospitalized for influenza, it allows for more beds for the potential of the COVID cases. That’s a big emphasis this year.”

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He added that the last few years haven’t seen too many people receive the vaccine.

“The population that actually took advantage of the injections is fairly low in previous years but now I think you’ll see a much higher rate of injections,” said Buekert.

According to the provincial government’s Economic Dashboard, 35 per cent of southeastern Albertans got flu vaccinations in 2017 – the last year data is available.

Flu shots will be available starting Oct. 19.

AHS will be booking appointments for flu shots starting on Oct. 13 for the following week for children under five years of age and members of their household. No appointment for some pharmacies will be required. Family doctors are also able to provide flu vaccinations as well starting on Oct. 19.