All residents age 5 and up can now get their flu shot at a community pharmacy—free of charge in most cases.
The Pharmacists Association of Newfoundland and Labrador expects the flu virus to circulate more widely this year as COVID restrictions have been done away with in most cases. Health officials are also expecting a more severe season because people haven’t been exposed to the flu over the past two seasons and don’t have built-up immunity.
Kara O’Keefe of Family Drug Mart on Bell Island, one of about 200 community pharmacies in the province, says there are different vaccines including one which may have a fee attached. It’s referred to as a “high-dose” flu shot and is available free of charge for people in high-risk categories, such as residents of long-term care homes.
If somebody feels they should have that shot, they can speak to their pharmacist because it may not be necessary, she says.