If you haven’t taken your flu shot yet, or still want to be vaccinated against COVID-19, you’re not our of luck. Co-owner and Pharmacist at Hill’s Drug Store Rhonda Kitchen says supplies are still available in Portage la Prairie.
“Some vaccines may start to become limited, as the province has said that they are going to prioritize certain brands over others, for a number of different reasons,” explains Kitchen. “But there is still availability, so please do ask if that’s something that you need.”
She notes rapid test kits are also in stock. Kitchen explains the province still provides them, and their stores continue to stock those provided for, free of charge.
She says demand for shots is tapering off at the moment.
“We have had a number of cancellations because I’ve asked people, who thought they had a cold, to test before they came in. It turns out that they had COVID,” continues Kitchen. “So, with that, you don’t need to get the vaccination because your natural antibodies are going to be boosted. As well, we would prefer that people do still self-isolate to limit the spread within our city.”
Kitchen says isolation is important, seeing as it may only be a cold for you, and you may feel little or no symptoms, but that’s not the case for everyone.
“We do ask people to still take that isolation period of time because you don’t know who you’re coming across who is at higher risk of more severe outcomes,” adds Kitchen. “So, really it’s more about thinking about the people around you that are vulnerable, than it is about you not feeling so bad, thinking you can still go out.”
She notes it has been said that a vaccine covers you for six months. But if something is coming up, such as a gathering of people, they’re saying you can still get COVID sooner than that.
“Having natural antibodies is just like getting the vaccine, so you’re good for that 5-6 months, and then revisit where you’re at in that time,” says Kitchen.
