Public health: plenty of flu vaccine available; more appointments coming

WELLINGTON COUNTY – Public health officials say local residents should not worry about flu shot availability.

"Public health has the ability for everyone who wants a flu shot – and can safely receive one – to get one," states a Nov. 4 press release from Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health (WDGPH) spokesperson Danny Williamson.

The health unit is urging people to continue contacting WDGPH to book an appointment.

"Most people will be able to book an appointment in the coming weeks," states Williamson.

"We will continue to update the public as the rollout of the vaccine takes place."

WDGPH officials are stressing the following information about the 2020-21 flu vaccine:

• officials are in "constant contact" with partners to understand vaccine needs;
• current demand for the vaccine is being met and WDGPH continues to monitor vaccine distribution in the region;
• public health receives and administers the flu vaccine to the public through appointments, as well as through distribution to partners, such as physicians (pharmacies have a separate process to receive and administer flu shots; and
• there are several ways to get a flu shot:
  • through a family physician;
  • at select pharmacies;
  • through a WDGPH appointment; and
  • at local flu clinics.

Those that have been unable to schedule a flu shot appointment, should continue to check for availability, officials say.

More information about the flu shot, including a link to the WDGPH online booking system can be found here.