PEI

Flu shot supply secure, says P.E.I. chief health officer

There should not be a shortage of flu vaccine in the province, says P.E.I.'s chief health officer.

Despite concerns from a flu vaccine supplier, health officials say P.E.I. will get full order

There should not be a shortage of flu vaccine in the province, says P.E.I.'s chief health officer.

Dr. Heather Morrison says P.E.I. will get all the vaccine it ordered. ((CBC))

A British drug maker says it has identified issues at its Ste-Foy, Quebec vaccine manufacturing facility that will affect its delivery dates and ability to supply Canada with influenza vaccine.

It says about 30 per cent of its Canadian order won't be available for the upcoming influenza season.

Dr. Heather Morrison said P.E.I.'s supply was ordered in the spring from several sources, and the province has been advised it will receive everything that has been ordered.

"Canada, or the Public Health Agency through a vaccine supply working group, orders vaccine from a number of different suppliers, including the one particular supplier that is going to be a bit later in producing its vaccine," said Morrison. 

"We actually, most of our vaccine comes from other suppliers ... No need to worry and we are not expecting any kind of shortfall on the vaccine we've ordered here in P.E.I."

Morrison said about 45,000 doses have been ordered for P.E.I., which is about the same as other years.

She is reminding people of the importance of getting a flu shot when the vaccine does arrive on the Island sometime in October.