Clinics being denied requests for more flu shot doses

QUEEN’S PARK — Like other flu shot clinics around the province, a Burlington clinic has told patients that its request for more flu shot doses was denied by the province, and doesn’t know if more are coming.

“… we placed an order for 1500 shots with Public Health. This request has been declined,” reads a letter from Caroline Family Health Team in Burlington, which goes on to say “Public Health has not given any confirmation of future flu shot supply, if any.”

NDP Health critic France Gélinas said it is rather discouraging that the Ford government didn’t properly plan the supply of flu vaccines, knowing the “twindemic” of COVID-19 and influenza could overwhelm hospitals this winter.

“The last thing we should be seeing right now is flu shot clinics getting cancelled because there aren’t enough doses to go around, but we’re seeing it in every part of the province,” said Gélinas. “From families with little ones to vulnerable seniors, no one should have to scramble to find a flu shot in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. Once again, it looks like Ford tried to pinch pennies by ordering too-few doses, and Ontarians are going to pay the price for that.

“Experts are sounding the alarm about the very real risk that COVID-19 and flu season will converge to overwhelm Ontario’s hospitals, which are already very full.”

Gélinas added that the window for hosting clinics safely outdoors is rapidly closing, making vaccinating large numbers of people more complicated.

**Letter from Caroline Family Health Team.