Starting today, New Brunswickers will be able to receive flu shots free of charge again this year which can be administered by pharmacists and primary care providers.
Public Health recommends that anyone six months of age or older should get a flu shot.
Fredericton-based pharmacist Paul Bowman believes it could be a busy winter with a more pronounced flu season expected as well as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
“We expect people will be presenting in community pharmacies with a mixture of symptoms that could be cold, could be flu or could be COVID.”
Bowman says older adults will be able to receive a high-dose influenza vaccine to boost the immune system.
“It offers stronger protection for those 65 plus that will also be made available by the government this year free of charge. In the past, seniors had the ability to get that but they had to pay out of pocket for it.”
The Department of Health will be including the high-dose flu vaccine as part of its immunization program for all elderly residents, including those in long-term care facilities such as nursing homes and adult residential facilities.
The flu shot can be safely administered at the same time as the COVID-19 vaccine.
“We need everyone to help reduce the strain that COVID-19 has put on our health-care system,” said Dr. Jennifer Russell, chief medical officer of health.
“By getting this year’s flu shot, we are helping to reduce hospital visits from influenza-related illnesses and freeing up those resources for areas where they are needed most.”
Out-of-province students can get their flu shots through student health services at their respective post-secondary institutions.
New residents and non-residents without a Medicare card can get flu shots free of charge from a pharmacist.
