Dear editor:

First, kudos to pharmacist Sean Simpson for his efforts to service the NOTL community with his innovative mobile flu shot idea.

Otherwise the flu shot kickoff in Ontario is an unmitigated disaster.

Shortages abound everywhere – pharmacies and clinics, already booked up or out of supply, are unsure as to when they will be resupplied.

They “hope” to hear around Oct. 27. This is unconscionable and speaks volumes to the general breakdown in the management of our deteriorating health care system.

Addressing a priority system, given that front-line workers should be first in line, the next priority should be assigned to seniors, say over 65, and those with pre-existing conditions.

Seniors' high-dose shots should be prioritized accordingly. To my knowledge there is no priority system, accordingly, those who perhaps never get a shot will be having one this year assuming it will help fend off COVID-19.

As a result, the regular shot getters will be bumped farther back in the line. 

The USA, on flu shots, is well ahead of Canada. My son, who lives in East Amherst, N.Y., a suburb of Buffalo, had his shot back in September.

Today, Tuesday, Oct. 13, I checked with Simpson's Pharmacy: booked up and out of stock. Shoppers Drug: booked until Nov. 3 and out of stock . My doctor's office at the medical centre: “We are just setting up our website. You will have to keep checking.”

I am a super senior (over 80 ) with a pre-existing condition and to say this is frustrating is an understatement.

Had the border been open I would gladly drive to the United States and pay for the shot. Unfortunately, this option is not available.

How many more Canadians think our government is paying lip service to our health concerns?

Samuel Young

NOTL