The Canada Brief

Canada · 11 d ago

A vaccine syringe

Quebec pharmacists say the vaccine distribution system is failing them

Flu doses received of 550 ordered

250 doses

One pharmacy in Pincourt received 50 flu doses for people under 75, which he says lasts about two hours. A pharmacist near Lévis got 250 of 550 flu doses ordered and 10 of more than 250 COVID-19 doses.

Pharmacists

No information

Distributors

Three waves

A wholesalers' association says it is normal for pharmacies to get only a fraction of doses at first, with at least three waves of supply. Santé Québec says it receives doses nationally in three lots.

What pharmacists propose

  • Stable eligibility criteria each year
  • Free flu vaccine for all, as in Ontario
  • Wholesalers buying vaccines directly

Pharmacists want stable eligibility criteria and free flu shots for everyone, as in Ontario. The wholesalers' association also wants them to buy vaccines directly.