Pharmacies Struggle to Meet Demand for Flu Shots in Ontario

Finding flu shots at pharmacies in the Toronto area is becoming increasingly difficult as shortages persist. Pharmacists are raising concerns about their inability to meet the rising demand for vaccines this winter, particularly in Durham Region, where many are running low on supplies.

Sam Indrawes, a pharmacist in Durham, expressed his frustration over the lack of vaccine availability, stating that he has been out of regular flu shot doses since October 2023. Indrawes told CTV News Toronto that he is forced to turn patients away, urging them to search for vaccines elsewhere. “It’s really sad because we are trying to encourage people to get their vaccinations up to date, but with lack of supplies, we’re turning them away,” he lamented.

The Ontario Ministry of Health acknowledged a recent issue with distribution data that led to pharmacies appearing to have higher inventory levels than they actually did. They clarified that ordering from these pharmacies was temporarily suspended to prevent wastage, but this issue has now been resolved. The ministry confirmed that pharmacies have since received the necessary information to continue placing orders.

Despite the ministry’s reassurances, both Indrawes and the Ontario Pharmacists Association believe the challenges extend beyond the temporary glitch. The association’s CEO, Justin Bates, described the current ordering system as “flawed,” noting that it does not adequately address the needs of pharmacies and their patients. “There’s no shortage of the actual product,” Bates explained, “the challenge we have in pharmacy is a very convoluted and cumbersome vaccine ordering system.”

The existing system allocates vaccines at the start of the season based on historical ordering trends, meaning pharmacies are limited in the quantities they can order weekly. Orders placed between Monday and Wednesday only arrive the following week. If a pharmacy still has stock from a previous order, its request for additional vaccines may be rejected, leading to potential shortages. “If you ordered 100 last week and you still have 50 on hand, then they would suspend you from ordering next week,” Bates elaborated.

Indrawes highlighted his own experience with the system, recounting how he needed 100 high-dose vaccines for a clinic at a retirement home in October but received a suspension notice instead. Despite explaining his situation to the ministry, he was unable to secure the additional doses he required. “Getting full vaccines or additional shipments from the ministry is like pulling teeth,” he said.

The situation has left patients searching for alternatives, as even nearby doctor offices have run out of vaccines. Indrawes mentioned that his pharmacy is now referring patients to other locations, adding to the overall confusion and frustration.

Bates emphasized the need for a more flexible ordering process, suggesting that vaccine distribution should mirror how other medications are managed, allowing pharmacies to order as needed. “We want to make sure that we get shots in arms and that we don’t turn patients away,” he stated. He warned that the current system could lead to fewer people receiving vaccinations, increasing the risk of flu outbreaks, which could have serious health implications.

As the flu season continues, the urgency for effective vaccine distribution remains critical. With pharmacies struggling to meet demand, the Ontario government faces pressure to reform its vaccine ordering system to ensure that patients receive the care they need.