P.E.I. flu shots covering 4 strains will be available soon

Start rolling up your sleeves.

Prince Edward Island will begin receiving shipments of this season's flu vaccine soon, health officials said Friday.

Starting next week, Islanders can call to make an appointment at a Health PEI Influenza Immunization Clinics. The clinics start Oct.13. 

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Patients can also contact local pharmacists, family doctors or nurse practitioners to get their flu shot.

Last year, the flu vaccine became available at local pharmacies for the first time.

This year's vaccine also provides even more protection, said Dr. Heather Morrison, P.E.I.'s chief public health officer.

"This year, the anticipation is that it will likely be an influenza B strain that is what we see the most of.  But our influenza vaccine has four different strains that it covers.  It has two influenza A strains as well as two influenza B strains," she said.

" And it's actually the first year we've been able to purchase a vaccine that has all four strains in it. "

During the last flu season, 38,000 flu vaccines were administered by public health nursing staff, physicians and nurse practitioners on P.E.I.

An additional 10,000 flu vaccines were given by pharmacists.

This year 50,000 doses have been ordered.

Last year, 98 people were hospitalized and nine died due to flu-related illnesses, Morrison said.