Bank Of Canada Keeps 2% Inflation Target Adds Labor Market Factors To Mix
OTTAWA – The Bank of Canada on Monday unveiled an agreement with the federal government to keep its inflation target unchanged at 2%, adding that it would now take labor market factors into account as well, which could keep interest rates low for longer in times of crisis.
The decision was set out in a new five-year monetary policy framework between the central bank and the finance ministry that takes effect on Jan. 1. The inflation target has been set at the 2% midpoint of a 1%-3% control range for the last 30 years.
The bank has been taking a flexible approach to cope with the disruptions caused by the pandemic, allowing the labor market and the economy to rebound while supply-chain bottlenecks and rising energy prices push up overall costs.
Inflation hit an 18-year high of 4.7% in October, the seventh month in a row it has been above 3%. The bank thinks it will sink next year and has signaled it could raise the benchmark rate from a record low 0.25% lower bound as early as April.
“When the economy’s under stress, we could have rates low for very long stretches,” said Doug Porter, chief economist at BMO Capital Markets, adding that the main message was that the Bank of Canada retained the right to use a lot of flexibility in setting rates.
“This is largely a continuation of what is already doing, in a sense codifying the approach that the bank has been taking during the pandemic,” said Josh Nye, senior economist at RBC Economics.
The Different Flu Shot Brands
The flu shot also comes in a variety of brands that patients can choose from, including:
Trivalent
- Afluria, Fluarix, FluLaval, Fluvirin, Fluzone are brands of standard dose intramuscular trivalent. These are inactive vaccines that are grown in eggs. These are all available for ages 6 months and up. The inactive standard trivalent dose is the most popular influenza vaccination in the US.
- Flucelvax is a standard dose intramuscular trivalent inactive vaccine that is grown via cell culture technology. It does not contain antibiotics or preservatives and is safe for adults ages 18 and older.
- FluBlok is a recombinant intramuscular trivalent vaccine that is inactive and an egg-free option. This option is safe for adults ages 18 to 49 with egg allergies and is influenza vaccination that is egg-free, making it safe for those with egg allergies.
- Fluzone Intradermal is a intradermal trivalent, inactive vaccine that is approved for adults ages 18 to 64.
- Fluzone High-Dose is a high dose intramuscular trivalent, inactive vaccine, that is approved for adults ages 65 and up.
- Quadrivalent
- Fluarix Quadrivalent, FluLaval quadrivalent, Fluzone Quadrivalent are standard intramuscular quadrivalent, inactive vaccines, approved for ages 6 months and older.
- Flumist Quadrivalent: This is a quadrivalent nasal spray, which is a live vaccination that is often used for children ages 2 to 8 and approved for use in patients ages 2 and up.
Police Looking For Gunman After 3 Women Suspect Shot At Oakbrook Center
OAK BROOK, Ill. Four people were shot Thursday evening during a shootout at Oakbrook Center and police are searching for a shooter involved.
Police responded to the mall just before 5:45 p.m. on the report of shots fired. After an investigation, police believe three women were struck by gunfire during a shootout between two men. Each of the women were shot once and suffered non life-threatening injuries.
Police said during a news conference that one of the suspects, who is believed to be one of two shooters, was also shot. Another man involved, who is not being considered a shooter, is also in custody.
Police are currently looking for a third suspect at this time with shoulder length locs and was wearing a blue puffy coat with a white symbol on the back of the jacket. Police believe the man, who is in his 20s, was the second shooter. SWAT team members were going from store to store, looking for the him and to evacuate shoppers.
As of 11 p.m., mass evacuations began after police said they no longer believe the gunman is at the mall. Authorities did set up a reunification site for families at the Marriott nearby following the shooting.
The shootout happened outside of Nordstroms near a corridor by Ann Taylor.
In a press conference late Thursday night, police said one of the suspects vehicles was recovered at the scene via a license plate reader. Mall management said it is their desire to open Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Don’t Miss: Do You Have To Get A Flu Shot
The Flu Shot Is Effective
The effectiveness of the vaccine varies from season to season. It depends on:
- how well the vaccine matches with the circulating flu viruses
- the health and age of the person getting the flu shot
The viruses circulating in the population can sometimes change during the time it takes to produce a vaccine. When this happens during the flu season, the flu shot may not work as well as expected.
It’s also important to remember that the flu shot protects against several different flu viruses each season. The seasonal flu shot can still provide protection against the remaining 2 or 3 viruses, even when theres:
- a less-than-ideal match
- lower effectiveness against one virus
If you do get the flu, the flu shot may reduce the severity of flu-related complications.
Getting your flu shot is still the most effective way to protect yourself against the flu and flu-related complications.
The Best Flu Shot Deals At Cvs Target Publix And More
If youre looking for a place to get a flu shot, theres a good chance your local pharmacys immunization program has what you need. But as youll see, some pharmacies may have better flu shot prices and deals than others.
In this article, Im going to show you some major grocery and pharmacy chains offering flu shot deals as of September 2021.
Also Check: Whats The Difference Between Type A And Type B Flu
Return Of The Flu: Eu Faces Threat Of Prolonged ‘twindemic’
BRUSSELS – Influenza has returned to Europe at a faster-than-expected rate this winter after almost disappearing last year, raising concerns about a prolonged “twindemic” with COVID-19 amid some doubts about the effectiveness of flu vaccines.
Lockdowns, mask-wearing and social distancing that have become the norm in Europe during the COVID-19 pandemic knocked out flu last winter, temporarily eradicating a virus that globally kills about 650,000 a year, according to EU figures.
But that has now changed as countries adopt less strict measures to fight COVID-19 due to widespread vaccination.
Since mid-December, flu viruses have been circulating in Europe at a higher-than-expected rate, the European Centre for Disease prevention and Control reported this month.
In December, the number of flu cases in European intensive care units rose steadily to peak at 43 in the last week of the year, ECDC and World Health Organization data show.
That is well below pre-pandemic levels – with weekly flu cases in ICUs peaking at over 400 at the same stage in 2018, for example.
But it is a big increase on last year, when there was only one flu case in an ICU in the whole of December, data show.
The return of the virus could be the start of an unusually long flu season that could stretch well into the summer, the ECDC’s top expert on influenza Pasi Penttinen told Reuters.
A “twindemic” could put excessive pressure on already overstretched health systems, the ECDC said in its report.
Is A Fourth Covid
Fourth Covid shot likely as omicron variant sends cases surging
Michigan-based Pfizer says a fourth COVID-19 vaccine is likely in the coming months and is already a few months away from having it ready. Doctors say this is very similar to the flu vaccine and how it changes every year.
SOUTHFIELD, Mich. – Get ready to roll up your sleeves again for another Covid shot as another booster is expected to be ready in a few months to fight the much more contagious omicron variant.
Pfizer’s CEO says another vaccine to target the omicron variant will be ready in March, and it’s a move that many in the medical community support, including Dr. Matthew Sims from Beaumont Health who says this isn’t different from what scientists and doctors already do with the flu vaccine.
“Theres a limit to how much boosting is really going to help,” Dr. Sims said. “It might just be better to say now is the time to make a newer version update vaccine, so it covers the new strain. We do that with vaccines all the time we do that with flu every year.”
The race to produce a new vaccine comes as states are receiving initial shipments of the Covid pill, an oral medication available only by prescription to treat coronavirus. Just last week, Michigan received its first shipment.
But this isn’t th magic pill. Dr. Sims said they don’t have nearly enough supply to go around.
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Super Shot Seeks Funds As Patient Needs Increase
FORT WAYNE, Ind. Aza Klinger was philosophical about getting his second COVID shot.
The 10-year-old could see way more pluses than minuses as he and his younger brother, McCallum Klinger, 7, arrived at Super Shot with their mother, Amie Klinger.
I wont have to wear this mask around any more, Aza said. Take that back. As a student in Fort Wayne Community Schools, hed wear a mask, his mother said, but in Target, for example?
With both shots, Aza didnt think a mask would be that necessary at Target or other stores, but hed be on the lookout for who was wearing mask and who wasnt.
Super Shot, a locally-based non profit organization providing free immunizations, flu shots and now COVID shots to children, has been busier this year than ever before. The clinic has administered 400 COVID shots each week since November, Connie Heflin, executive director, said.
This year, the clinic at 1515 Hobson Rd. has delivered 70,000 COVID, routine and flu immunizations, more than over last four years, Heflin said.
Founded in 1993 by Dr. Jane Irmscher and Sr. Mary Conrad Kirchhoff, a member of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, Super Shot is the second largest provider of childrens shots in the state the largest clinic located in Marion County, Heflin said.
Those interested in donating can access the clinics website at www.supershot.org/donate or text SHOTS to 44321.
Check Out This Freebie
The pharmacy counter at Target has been suffering mightily since the retailer sold its pharmacy business to CVS last year. That would explain the signage youll see around the pharmacy with the CVS logo!
But the big change brought with it reports of inconsistent customer service, less-than-friendly staff and larger out-of-pocket costs.
So the pharmacy department has a strategy to get you back to their counter this fall: A free $5 gift card when you roll up your sleeve for a flu shot!
The gift card doesnt expire and can be used at a Target location other than the one where you get the shot. Offer void in Arkansas, New Jersey and New York.
Read Also: Can You Have The Flu And No Fever
Where To Get Cheap Or Free Flu Shots
The annual flu vaccine can help protect you from getting the flu and reduce the severity if you do contract it.
The CDC recommends flu shots annually for everyone 6 months and older.
Although September and October are the ideal times to get vaccinated, the CDC notes that you can get a vaccine so long as the flu virus is circulating flu season doesnt officially end until around April or May.
If you have health insurance, youll likely be able to get a free flu shot. But even if you dont have insurance, you can still find affordable and sometimes free options.
Some providers may have limited supplies of the flu vaccine, so check with your location before you go.
Ready to protect yourself from the influenza virus? Heres where to go for your shot.
Groups Who Should Especially Get The Vaccine
The flu shot can protect you against the flu. Because of this, it can reduce your chances of being infected with COVID-19 and the flu at the same time. This can lead to serious complications. You should especially receive the flu vaccine this season if youre:
- at high risk of severe COVID-19 related illness
- capable of spreading the flu to those at high risk of severe illness related to COVID-19
The flu vaccine is especially important for the following groups.
Also Check: What Flu Medicine Is Safe While Breastfeeding
Peso Strengthens Vs Dollar As Economic Managers Raise Growth Target For 2021
THE PESO strengthened versus the greenback on Wednesday after the government raised its growth target and as more vaccines arrived in the country.
The local unit closed at P50.27 per dollar on Wednesday, gaining eight centavos from its P50.35 finish on Tuesday, data from the Bankers Association of the Philippines showed.
The peso opened the session at P50.32 per dollar on Wednesday. Its weakest showing was at P50.36, while its intraday best was at its close of P50.27.
Dollars exchanged slipped to $650.8 million on Wednesday from $651.7 million on Tuesday.
A trader attributed the pesos strength to positive sentiment after economic managers upgraded their growth target for the year.
The Development Budget Coordination Committee on Tuesday said it revised its growth target anew for 2021 to 5-5.5% from the 4-5% it gave in August.
Economic managers said the continued easing of restrictions and increase in business activities would push faster growth this year.
The economy expanded by 7.1% year on year in the third quarter, bringing gross domestic product growth for the first nine months to 4.9%. GDP shrank by a record 9.6% last year.
Meanwhile, Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort said investors were also bullish after more vaccines arrived in the Philippines.
For Thursday, Mr. Ricafort gave a forecast range of P50.17 to P50.32 per dollar, while the trader expects the local unit to move within P50.10 to P50.35. LWTN
Everyone 6 Months And Older Should Get The Flu Shot
The flu shot is your best defence against the flu. The flu shot is recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older.
It can save lives by:
- protecting you, if you’re exposed to the virus
- preventing you from getting very sick
- protecting people close to you:
- because you’re less likely to spread the virus
- who are at higher risk of serious flu complications if they get the flu
The flu shot wont protect you against COVID-19.
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People At High Risk Of Complications From The Flu
- people with health conditions, such as:
- cancer and other immune compromising conditions
- diabetes
- kidney disease
- neurological or neurodevelopmental conditions
- children up to 18 years of age undergoing treatment for long periods with acetylsalicylic acid
Local Retailers Grocery Stores And Pharmacies
Many places you already shop offer free flu shots, and some pharmacies and stores will even throw in a special deal or coupon to save money on a future purchase.
Some providers may have limited supplies of the flu vaccine, so check with your location before you go.
Just by showing your insurance card, you can get a free shot. If you dont have insurance, you can typically get the shot for less than $50 at the following businesses:
Costco
You dont need to be a member of the warehouse club to use a Costco pharmacy. And even if you dont have insurance, you can get a flu vaccine starting at $19.99. Walk-ins are welcome, or .
CVS
Get your flu shot at CVS pharmacy or its Minute Clinic. Through Dec. 31, CVS is offering a $5 coupon off any shopping trip of $20 or more when you get a flu shot at one of its locations.
Kroger
You can make an appointment to get a flu shot at Kroger Healths pharmacies.
Publix
The grocery chain typically welcomes walk-up flu shot appointments at its in-store pharmacies, but this year it is also offering an online service that allows customers to schedule an appointment and sign consent forms ahead of time, which you can do by . Publix provides free flu shots through most health insurance plans, including Medicare.
Rite Aid
Safeway
Target
Stop by a CVS pharmacy at Target walk in or schedule an appointment. Flu shots are free with most insurance plans.
Walgreens
Walmart
Recommended Reading: How To Stop Flu Virus From Spreading
Look For Thebuy And Get A Gift Card Deals
Often Target will have free gift cards available with certain purchases throughout the store. You could even buy the items that warrant the gift card, and then buy other items you need on the same day, provided you break up your purchases into two separate transactions. Check the weekly ad for items that include gift cards!