Flu shot costs vary around P.E.I.

Flu season has arrivedand as always, doctors and P.E.I.health officials are advising people to get a flu shot.

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For people who don't have the shot covered by health plans or their workplace, the price can vary.

Public Health charges $7, while many pharmacies charge between $13and $15.

Local doctor's offices vary, with some patients receiving it for free.

The province provides the vaccine to all locations for free but those who give the shot say the charge goes to cover administration costs.

Pharmacist Wally Kowalchuk said his pharmacy in Cornwall has been busy with customers dropping in to be vaccinated.

"You go to public health, I'm sure you might get if for less but there's a convenience factor when you get it at the pharmacy," said Kowalchuk.

"We are a business and for me to give away my professional services it's not really fair to me or any of my staff."

Kowalchuck said he hopes government looks at covering the administrative costs behind flu shots too.

He said he expects the percentage of people getting the shot to be good this year, with so many immunization locations making it easier.

Most pharmacies offer flu shots on a drop-in basis. The province is also hosting a number of flu clinics over the next couple of months.

Public health officials say last year was a hard year for the flu on P.E.I., with numerous outbreaks, about 100 lab-confirmed hospitalizations, and nine influenza-related deaths.