Dr. Ethan Toumishey, Hastings & Prince Edward Medical Officer of Health, says respiratory illnesses are expected to challenge the health care system this year and people should get their flu and COVID-19 vaccines as soon as they’re eligible.
He says vaccines are expected to be available to the general public at most pharmacies and primary health-care providers by Oct. 30.
“We anticipate we’ll be seeing an increase in influenza. COVID will be hanging around and then there’s the RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) piece as well, so certainly there will be a big impact,” he says. “Every year the health care system is strained and this year will be no different.”
For now, COVID shots are available to people in high-risk groups, who book through the provincial system.
Toumishey also says an RSV vaccine may be available for residents of long-term care homes in the coming weeks.
