October 27th, 2020
October 27th, 2020
QUEEN’S PARK - NDP MPPs Jamie West (Sudbury) and Sandy Shaw (Hamilton West—Ancaster—Dundas) questioned Doug Ford today about flu vaccine shortages being reported in their communities.
“Jacqueline Trainor, a senior from Sudbury said that she can’t find any place to get an enhanced flu-shot. Another constituent, a retired physician in the community, said he tried finding a vaccine for himself and his wife. He tried three pharmacies and one walk-in clinic, and all four locations told him they had orders on backlog and they could not even book an appointment until they had a better idea of when the vaccine would be coming,” said West during question period at the Ontario legislature Tuesday.
“How could the premier completely underestimate the urgent need for this year’s vaccine and put so many people at risk?,” asked West.
Shaw said she has received distressing stories from community members and family physicians alike who are unable to obtain flu vaccines.
Shaw’s constituent recently received this message from their doctor: “We are terribly sorry to inform you that we will no longer be able to run our previously planned flu vaccine clinic. Please note that the flu vaccine shortage through public health is a systemic issue, and applies to all family physicians in the surrounding area.”
“Our constituency offices are flooded with calls and emails from folks unable to get their flu shot,” said Shaw.
“What does the premier have to say to doctors and their patients across Ontario who are trying to keep safe and healthy but are not able to because of this disastrous shortage?”