My family doctor told me to make sure I got a flu shot this year. I tried to make an appointment but they told me "first come, first served". I don't like to play that game because he works out of a very busy clinic. He was the original owner, but sold to Well Health.
I get my prescriptions at Shoppers Drug Mart. That's where I've got previous flu shots so I signed up for "text message, when flu shots are available". Two weeks ago when I heard they were in, I didn't get a text from Shoppers but I heard Save On Foods and London Drugs were taking appointments. London Drugs wait was huge, but Save On Foods appointments were readily available. I waited for a couple of days because I was still getting over my cold. However, the day I was scheduled I was still coughing so I postponed it until yesterday.
I got to my appointment early and waited in a small line with a mask on. I gave the pharmacist my completed health form and she said "sorry, we are out of flu shots". She then added my name to the second page of a wait list for flu shots! I don't know why they didn't have the courtesy to either phone or email me as they were obviously out of stock for quite some time. I was not impressed.
After my Save On visit, I drove to Shoppers Drug Mart. Walking from my car to Shoppers, I passed my doctors office. There was a sign out front "flu shots available". I went in the clinic and there were 26 people ahead of me. Because I'm a patient, I was able to make an appointment for next Tuesday! Awesome! I have no preexisting conditions and I am reasonably healthy. I hope first responders, nurses, teachers and people with preexisting conditions have all received their shots!
On Monday, I spoke with my long time friend in Parksville. She is a cancer survivor, asthmatic, and diabetic. She can't get an appointment until November 22! I wish the Health Department would organize flu shots for people who really need them first.
If they find a COVID-19 vaccine, it's going to be like Black Friday at Best Buy! Let's hope they prioritize the people who will need it first.
I just checked my phone and still haven't got the text from Shoppers Drug Mart.
