If you live in Langley and want to get a flu shot to protect against the outbreak of H1N1 — you are too late.
Calls made by The Times on Tuesday to numerous pharmacies had all responding that they were fully out of stock.
“There are limited quantities of vaccine available in the community. Public Health Units and staff are trying to fill as many vaccine orders as possible, but all units are either out of stock or nearly out of supply,” said Fraser Health spokesperson Erin Labbe. “We have just been notified that the province hopes to have additional doses available in the next two to three weeks.”
While there has been 30 confirmed cases of H1N1 in Fraser Health, none of those infected are from Langley, Fraser Health confirmed this week. New cases won’t be known until Friday.
It was during Christmas when Fraser Health urged residents to get the flu shot if they haven’t yet had it after a surge in severe cases of H1N1 influenza where infected people in the ages of 20 to 50, instead of the elderly.
As of Jan. 1, 30 patients sick with suspected H1N1 had been treated in hospital intensive care units with artificial respiration, although some have since been discharged. The vaccine is being given to children under five for free and to people older than 65 and for those with vulnerable immune systems or who work in or visit a health environment. For everyone else, the vaccine costs around $18. The spray flu shot can’t be administered by a pharmacist, only by a health nurse. The Langley Public Health Office is the best play to take the spray, if any is available.
For more information about influenza and flu shot availability, see immunizebc.ca.
