Flu surge keeps Sask. pharmacies busy as shots stay available

Saskatchewan pharmacies are feeling the pressure of a fast-moving flu season, with more residents seeking advice, symptomatic support and vaccinations as influenza spreads across the province.

“It’s been because of the increase in flu, no question about that,” said Michael Fougere, CEO of the Pharmacy Association of Saskatchewan.

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“Test positivity rates went from 13.5 per cent to 40 per cent between November 16 and December 7, so we’re seeing a big spike.”

Health officials have warned that influenza is the dominant respiratory virus in Saskatchewan at the moment, contributing to increased hospitalizations while RSV and COVID-19 activity also rose.

Fougere said it’s “a very busy time of year” for pharmacies, but he hasn’t heard concerns about any locations being overwhelmed.

He said one advantage for patients is accessibility, as pharmacists can often provide help without the appointment barriers that can come with clinics and doctors’ offices during peak illness season. Fougere said that someone who believes they have the flu can walk into a pharmacy, describe their symptoms, and receive on-the-spot help, including vaccination.

Unlike some seasons, when vaccine shortages have become a public concern, Fougere said vaccine supply remains steady, even if inventory sometimes needs to be shifted between pharmacies in order to meet local demand. He said that kind of movement is a regular part of vaccine distribution across the province.

But while vaccines are available, Fougere noted that uptake rates remain a concern in the province. He said Saskatchewan’s flu vaccination rate is sitting at around 20 per cent and said he wanted to see that number get higher as flu activity climbs, as low vaccination rates can contribute to the spread of influenza.

Fougere acknowledged that the vaccine may not be perfectly matched to the circulating strain this year, but noted that vaccination still helps reduce the severity of illness and could help limit transmission.

Health officials have also urged residents to get vaccinated, saying the flu shot remains the most effective tool to reduce the number of severe illnesses and complications, even when the match is not perfect.

For people wondering how long a pharmacy visit might take, Fougere said many residents can be in and out quickly. He said he received his own flu shot before Christmas, explaining that the process only took about 20 minutes from the time he walked in until he was finished.

Looking ahead, Fougere said it is difficult to predict how the rest of the season would unfold. However, flu activity often peaks around the end of the year and into the new year. His message, he said, is simple: get vaccinated as soon as possible.