Experts advise Canadians to prioritize getting the flu shot early this fall as it becomes available in their region.
The majority of provinces will offer the flu vaccine to the public by the end of October, and it will be free of charge. In Ontario, both flu and COVID-19 vaccinations were available starting September 28 for individuals aged 65 and above, residents of long-term care or retirement homes, and hospital patients and staff.
Dr. Winnie Siu, a senior medical adviser for the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI), emphasized that the flu vaccine is recommended for everyone aged six months and older. A stronger version of the flu shot is advised for adults aged 65 and above to provide a more effective immune response.
While the nasal spray alternative FluMist is approved in Canada, its availability may vary across provinces and territories. Despite the previous year’s flu vaccine not being a perfect match with circulating strains, studies indicated a 40% protection rate against severe flu-related outcomes.
Immunologist Dawn Bowdish noted that the flu vaccine’s efficacy lasts for about six months, with peak protection lasting around three months. Given the potential for an early flu season, Bowdish urged the public to get vaccinated promptly, as it takes approximately two weeks for the vaccine’s protection to take effect.
Bowdish highlighted the importance of children receiving flu vaccinations, especially given declining vaccination rates since the pandemic. She stressed that flu can have severe implications for children, particularly those with underlying health conditions like asthma.
Moreover, pregnant individuals are encouraged to prioritize vaccination against flu and other respiratory viruses to safeguard their health and that of their babies. Early data from the Public Health Agency of Canada indicated the presence of the H1N1 influenza A type in some regions, though it’s too early to predict this season’s dominant strain.
