Jen Belcher, vice-president of the Ontario Pharmacists Association told CTV News London that there has been an increase in consumer demand since last fall due to COVID-19. “The relaxation of personal and public health precautions has led to an increase in some of these viruses that were kept at bay during these measures,” he said. The shortage has been exacerbated by allergy season, the ongoing presence of COVID-19 and supply chain disruptions. “It has resulted in challenges in the supply of the product, but we have also seen much higher demand due to the symptoms of COVID-19,” he added. While during the summer months, there is usually less spread of cold and flu viruses, pharmacists across London, Ont. they see fewer children’s cold and flu medicines coming. “We’re trying to find alternatives so we don’t leave people empty-handed,” said Omnia Masoud, who owns a pharmacy on Wonderland Road. “There is more demand since COVID has changed from a lower respiratory infection to an upper respiratory infection. The symptoms are very similar to a cold.” Masood said her pharmacy takes orders every day and places themselves on order lists for many drugs.
