UBC has cancelled the free flu vaccination clinics that were scheduled for October 30 and 31 “due to a nationwide shortage in this year’s flu vaccine.”
The free clinics were set to take place on campus from October 29 to 31 but were cancelled after the first day. UBC’s notice encourages students to visit immunizebc.ca to find the nearest flu vaccination providers.
According to UBC's Acting Chief Risk Officer Bruce Arthur, the vaccination demands for this year were on par with previous years.
“Immunization clinic demand was in keeping with previous years. The decision to cancel was only made after our supplier was unable to deliver our full order of vaccine,” wrote Arthur in an emailed statement to The Ubyssey.
On-campus, some locations flagged as flu vaccination providers include both Shoppers Drug Mart pharmacies on University Boulevard and in Wesbrook Village, in addition to the Save-On-Foods pharmacy in Wesbrook Village and the University Pharmacy in University Village. The Acadia Community Centre is also scheduled to host a free vaccination clinic on November 15 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m
According to a report by The Vancouver Sun public health clinics would be unable to administer flu shots until November due to “minor delays and shortfalls,” but pharmacies would be able to administer flu shots as normal.
The remaining #UBC Vancouver flu clinics scheduled for October 30-31 have been cancelled due to a nationwide shortage in this year’s flu vaccine. We apologize for any inconvenience caused. More info: https://t.co/ygOB3JCg7r pic.twitter.com/21r0eC06lk
— University of British Columbia (@UBC) October 30, 2019
In the notice posted on their website, UBC apologized for the inconvenience and said they looked forward to hosting the clinics next year.
“UBC is committed to the health of our students, faculty and staff and we look forward to hosting clinics next year.”