The Universal Influenza Immunization Program (UIIP) has officially launched for pharmacies in Ontario. Our pharmacists, Nancy Birchenough and Olivia LeBelle, are ready to administer the flu vaccine to individuals aged 5 and over.
Availability
Nancy and Olivia are available to administer the flu shots as follows:
Monday: 9:00am to 4:00pm
Tuesday: 9:00am to 7:00pm
Wednesday: 9:00am to 2:00pm except for November 4 and 11 (2:00pm to 7:00pm)
Thursday: 9:00am to 7:00pm
Friday: 9:00am to 7:00pm
Saturday: Please inquire at the pharmacy
What’s New
This year, there are specific vaccines for each defined age category. The frequently used trivalent inactivated vaccine (Agriflu®, Fluviral® or Influvac®) is still an appropriate option across all age categories and is the first choice for individuals 18 years and older. For children and individuals between 6 and 17 years of age, the quadrivalent inactivated vaccine (Flulaval Tetra®, Fluzone Quadrivalent®) or the quadrivalent live attenuated vaccine (Flumist Quadrivalent®) are the first choice.
Which vaccine will be administered?
The trivalent products (Agriflu®, Influvac®, and Fluviral®) and the quadrivalent vaccine products (FluLaval Tetra® and Fluzone Quadrivalent®) will be distributed based on availability (with the exception of FluMist, requests for specific TIV products or QIV products are not permitted). Each trivalent product and each quadrivalent product are considered equivalent with respect to their approved indications for use. If the quadrivalent products are not available, the trivalent products will be administered to individuals under 18.
Please note that Flumist Quadrivalent is in limited supply and Palermo Pharmacy has not received it to date. Halton Public Health noted that they have not received an order and if they do, it will be very limited in quantity.
For more information about influenza and the flu vaccine, please refer to Halton Public Health at www.halton.ca/flu and the Government of Ontario website at https://www.ontario.ca/health-and-wellness/get-flu-shot/.
Please note that this blog post is provided for information only. It is not meant to replace the advice of a qualified doctor, pharmacist or other qualified health care professional. ALWAYS check with you physician or pharmacist if you have any concerns about your condition and/or treatment.