B.C. pharmacists have been busy keeping the flu at bay.
Between October and mid-November, pharmacists throughout the province have beaten expectations by administering more than 83,000 publicly funded flu vaccines, according to the B.C. Pharmacy Association (BCPhA).
Last year, community pharmacists administered more than 50,000 publicly funded flu shots.
"Pharmacists have already given a significantly higher number of flu shots compared to last year," said BCPhA deputy CEO Parkash Ragsdale.
"We are hearing from our members that more people are choosing to get their flu shot from their pharmacist because it is such a quick and convenient option."
Pharmacists can provide free flu shots to those patients who qualify. Patients who are not eligible also have the option of paying for a flu shot.
"Flu season is not over yet and we are urging people to get their flu shot if they haven't already done so," said Ragsdale.
More than 1,500 pharmacists in B.C. are trained and authorized to give flu shots.
Patients can visit Immunize BC's Flu Clinic Locator to search for a flu clinic by postal code, at http://www.health.gov.bc.ca/flu/ or check eligibility by visiting: http://immunizebc.ca/diseases-vaccinations/influenza.