Alberta’s supply of high-dose flu vaccine running low, pharmacists say – CBC

‘We ordered 10 boxes, we got one,’ says Alberta pharmacist

Nov 09, 2021

For the first time, all Alberta seniors are being offered a high-dose flu vaccine but distribution problems are making it tricky for pharmacists to get their hands on it.

The Fluzone high-dose vaccine is described by Alberta Health as “the vaccine of choice” for people in that age bracket.

The high-dose shot was previously offered only to Albertans 65 years and older living in long-term care facilities. Other seniors who wanted the shot had to pay $75. The shot is now free of charge.

This year, pharmacists say the demand is there — but the stock isn’t.

“We ordered 10 boxes, we got one,” said pharmacist Zicki Eludin, who owns Crescent IDA Pharmacy in Lac La Biche, Alta. “We’re probably getting 10 per cent of what we order.”

Read more: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/high-dose-influenza-vaccine-supply-shortages-alberta-1.6241432

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