Flu and COVID-19 shots now available to all eligible people in Waterloo region, Guelph

Waterloo pharmacist Erin McClure says her phone has been ringing off the hook lately with people hoping to make appointments for their flu and COVID-19 shots.

As of Monday, anyone over the age of six months is eligible to get their next COVID-19 shot and flu shot. Appointments can be booked with local pharmacies, through public health or with family doctors.

McClure, who works at the Pharmasave Waterloo Wellness Pharmacy, said people are calling to make sure the pharmacy has the latest COVID-19 vaccine.

"Fortunately we did just get a lot of those. So that's exciting to be able to say yes and get those into arms," McClure said, adding people can get the flu shot at the same time as their latest COVID-19 shot.

"It's very convenient that way. Most people are doing that."

If seeking an appointment with public health, people in Waterloo region need to make an appointment through the provincial booking system.

For people in Guelph and Wellington County, appointments can be made through the Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health website.

Public Health Ontario reported in its Oct. 22 to Nov. 4 respiratory virus risk indicators report that it expects to see an increase in influenza and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) activity in the coming two weeks.

As of Oct. 21, Waterloo region had reported four lab-confirmed cases of the flu. The next update on regional numbers will be provided Tuesday.

Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health has reported one case of the flu so far this season.

'Expected' rise in infections in community

During an update to regional councillors last week, the region's medical officer of health, Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang, said public health is seeing an "expected increase" in respiratory illnesses in the community.

Wang said public health is working with long-term care, retirement and group homes to mitigate risks as they've seen an increase in cases in those settings, too.

On Friday, the region's COVID-19 dashboard was updated. It showed all three hospitals in the region — Cambridge Memorial, Grand River and St. Mary's — currently have COVID-19 outbreaks.

As well, 12 long-term care and retirement homes are in outbreak.

The dashboard also showed the number of hospitalizations has steadily climbed in the last 90 days and sat at 61 as of Friday.

People seeking out vaccine

McClure said she's seeing "less reluctance" about getting the COVID-19 vaccine this year.

"We have so much more evidence and data. We're operating from a place of experience and science to back up what all our health-care professionals were preaching at the very beginning. So I think a lot of people are a lot more comfortable with the vaccine," McClure said.

"The questions have changed from a place of fear and like, 'Why do I have to?' Now I'm mostly seeing the people that want it, right?" 

People are asking here "where can I get the tools to be less sick and to keep my loved ones protected. So they're coming to us seeking it out now as opposed to being like, 'Why do I have to be here?'"

While her pharmacy offers flu shots on a walk-in basis, McClure recommends people make an appointment for the latest COVID-19 vaccine because it does take a bit longer for a pharmacist to prepare it.