Pharmacies proving popular spot for flu shots

The P.E.I. Pharmacists Association says more Islanders than expected are taking advantage of the new program that allows pharmacists to give flu vaccines.

This is the first year they have been able to do so in the province.

Since theimmunization program began last week, more than 3,000shots have been given at pharmacies across the Island, according toErin MacKenzie, executive director of the association.

"The flu immunization program with pharmacies has been going fantastically," said MacKenzie."The uptake has been greater than I think anyone had thought it would be."

"Customers and patients are coming in and we're able to recommend the flu shot to them. Many are coming in and seeking it out themselves and they are finding that the ability to just drop in to the pharmacy and have your flu shot given on site is very convenient. So we have seen huge numbers going through the pharmacies in this first week of immunization."

MacKenziesays many people who haven't had a flu shotbefore are dropping in to pharmacies and getting it done because they say it is convenient and an appointment is not necessary.