On Friday afternoon, MPP Wayne Gates rolled up his sleeve for his annual flu shot at Simpson’s Pharmacy in Virgil.

Gates said he’s been coming to Simpson’s for the flu shot for the last five years.

“I think it’s important to highlight these things because it educates and shows people the importance of the shot,” he said.“It helps alleviate some of the problems with our hallway medicine.”

While stressing the importance of getting the shot, Gates said he comes to the local pharmacy because supporting locally run businesses is important to him.

“We come to Sean Simpson’s place is because it’s locally owned, it’s locally run and I think it’s important to support local businesses,” Gates said.

This year owner of Simpson's Pharmacy Sean Simpson said they have administered more than 700 doses so far – surpassing last year's total number.

“Last year we did about 600 … And the season isn't over yet,” Simpson added.

The pharmacy encourages appointments to better manage work flow, but will accommodate walk-ins as well. Simpson's Pharmacy can administer doses of the flu shot during regular opening hours at both the Queen Street location and on NIagara Stone Road.