Experts in respiratory viruses are advising Canadians to prioritize getting their flu shot as soon as it becomes available in their area this autumn.
Most provinces are gearing up to offer the flu vaccine to the public by the end of October, free of charge.
In Ontario, both the flu and COVID-19 shots were made available starting on Sept. 28 for individuals aged 65 and above, 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), stressed the importance of the flu vaccine for everyone aged six months and older during an online briefing for healthcare professionals.
For adults aged 65 and older, a higher-dose version of the flu shot is recommended to provide a stronger immune response.
While a nasal spray alternative called FluMist is approved in Canada, its availability may vary across provinces and territories.
Despite last year’s flu vaccine not being a perfect match with circulating strains, it still offered a 40% protection rate against severe flu infections, according to Dr. Siu.
Immunologist Dawn Bowdish from McMaster University emphasized the importance of getting the flu shot early this year due to a potential early flu season.
