Pharmacies, clinics dealing with surging demand for COVID-19 shots

A surge in demand for COVID-19 boosters is presenting challenges for P.E.I.’s vaccination clinics and pharmacies.

A fourth shot has been out there to Islanders 12 and older for 2 weeks, and appointments at Well being P.E.I. clinics and pharmacies are filling up quick.

Like many different workplaces, pharmacies are seeing lots of people out with COVID-19, which is limiting what number of vaccine appointments will be opened up, stated Erin MacKenzie, government director of the P.E.I. Pharmacists Affiliation. 

“We’re actually making an attempt to ensure we’re assembly the demand. And I feel over the approaching weeks, extra appointments will open up now that we all know there’s elevated demand. Pharmacies are attempting to try this, as a lot as staffing ranges will enable.”

After cutting down its vaccine clinics in latest months, Well being P.E.I. is now seeing a surge in demand. A spokesperson stated given staffing challenges, clinics could must name on retired nurses to assist administer pictures, as they did earlier within the pandemic.

‘Sensible factor to do’

Janet O’Neill was relieved to get her newest booster shot not too long ago, particularly with COVID-19 circumstances on the rise.

“I simply assume it is a sensible factor to do. The vaccines, lots of them are sporting off. And I will take no matter I can get by way of vaccines and boosters.”

MacKenzie stated it is “unbelievable” folks like O’Neill are desirous to get boosted, and pharmacies will open extra appointments the place they’ll.

“If there’s just one pharmacist there, it’s totally difficult for them to take care of the duties they already had on their books.”