Respiratory virus specialists are urging Canadians to receive their flu shot as soon as it becomes available this fall, emphasizing the importance of vaccination in protecting public health. Most provinces are expected to start offering the flu vaccine to the general public by the end of October, and it will be provided free of charge. In Ontario, flu shots, alongside COVID-19 vaccinations, became available on September 28 for individuals aged 65 and older, residents of long-term care or retirement homes, as well as hospital patients and staff.
Dr. Winnie Siu, a senior medical adviser for the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI), highlighted during a recent online briefing that the flu vaccine is recommended for everyone aged six months and older. For adults aged 65 and above, a higher-dose version of the flu shot is recommended because their aging immune systems often require a stronger boost. Additionally, a nasal spray alternative, known as FluMist, is approved in Canada, though availability may vary across provinces and territories.
Last year's flu vaccine did not align perfectly with the circulating strains; however, it still provided approximately 40 percent protection against the need for medical attention or hospitalization due to flu infections. Immunologist Dr. Dawn Bowdish from McMaster University advised that the flu vaccine typically remains effective for about six months, with peak protection lasting approximately three months. She warned of an early flu season this year and strongly recommends getting vaccinated as soon as possible since the flu cases may rise into the epidemic range soon.
Following vaccination, it takes roughly two weeks for full protection to develop. Dr. Bowdish noted a concerning decline in flu vaccination rates for children since the pandemic began, urging parents to ensure their children are immunized against flu, as it poses serious risks even for healthy children, particularly those with asthma or other health conditions.
Expectant mothers also need to be aware that they are a priority group for flu vaccination, as serious respiratory infections during pregnancy can pose significant risks to both the mother and the baby. Early data from the Public Health Agency of Canada reveals the H1N1 strain of influenza A is currently circulating in parts of the country; last year, H3N2 was the predominant strain in Canada. Dr. Bowdish explained that H3N2 generally affects older adults and long-term care facilities more severely, while H1N1 tends to be more harmful to children. However, it remains uncertain whether H1N1 will be the dominant strain this flu season.
In addition to flu vaccinations, the briefing also covered the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Dr. Elissa Abrams, a pediatric specialist and fellow senior medical adviser for NACI, stated that RSV infects nearly all children by the age of two, presenting typically cold-like symptoms but can lead to serious conditions such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia. NACI recommends administering nirsevimab or clesrovimab—ready-made antibodies—to all infants during their first RSV season, as well as to high-risk infants during their second RSV season, unless they were protected by vaccinated mothers.
High-risk infants may include those born prematurely, with cardiorespiratory issues, immunocompromised conditions, airway problems, or Down syndrome. Moreover, adults aged 75 and older also face higher risks for RSV and should receive vaccination. Adults aged 65-74 with similar health conditions, as well as long-term care residents and other groups with specific health vulnerabilities, are similarly advised to get vaccinated against RSV.
On the COVID-19 front, NACI continues to strongly recommend vaccination for everyone aged 65 and older, residents of long-term care facilities, retirement homes, and assisted living facilities. This year, a second dose is suggested for individuals 80 years and older, those in long-term care, immunocompromised individuals, and those aged 65 and older with underlying health conditions, due to COVID's unpredictable seasonal patterns. NACI has emphasized that the most significant risk factors for severe illness from COVID-19 are age, both old and very young. Consequently, seniors represent the majority of hospitalizations and deaths related to the virus.
While provinces have free COVID-19 vaccination options, the specifics vary. For instance, British Columbia, Ontario, and several other provinces confirmed that vaccines will be offered at no cost. Alberta's guidelines suggest funding for those at risk, while Quebec is providing vaccines free for high-risk individuals and residents in isolated areas. The details surrounding the vaccination plans for the Northwest Territories and Nunavut remain unclear as information is still being gathered.
To enhance public health amidst the ongoing battle against respiratory viruses, healthcare authorities encourage individuals to stay informed about the availability of flu and COVID-19 vaccinations, and to take proactive steps to protect themselves and their communities.
