As the days get cooler and autumn leaves fall, the change in season can also bring about runny noses and flaring flu symptoms.
B.C. officials are now encouraging residents to get their flu shots with respiratory flu season kicking into gear.
Provincial Health Minister Josie Osborne said getting a vaccination is one of the simplest and most effective ways to take care of the community.
“When you get immunized, you’re protecting your grandparents, your children, your neighbours, your co-workers and others,” she said.
As flu season approaches, the province is unveiling its rollout for COVID-19 and flu vaccines. Health officials are encouraging people across B.C. to roll up their sleeves and get the shot. As Michelle Ghoussoub reports, they’re also warning of increasing misinformation about the safety of vaccines.
Osborne said more than two million people have received notifications to book their vaccine appointment, and since the campaign began, more than 273,000 people have been vaccinated for influenza and almost 215,000 people vaccinated for COVID-19.
“Those numbers will continue to go up,” Osborne said.
But she added that she’s concerned about the growing amount of misinformation and disinformation about vaccines.
“These false claims can undermine confidence in proven public health measures and make it harder for people to make informed choices,” Osborne said at a news conference Thursday.
She said much of the false information is coming from outside of Canada, particularly the U.S.
“Here in British Columbia, we base our health policies and decisions on strong scientific evidence and expert medical advice.”
Dr. Martin Lavoie, deputy provincial health officer, said several demographic groups are at high risk of severe disease and complications: very young people, very old people and people with chronic medical conditions.
“Vaccines are one of the many ways to protect ourselves, and a very important one because while they are safe … they’re also very effective.”
He noted the annual flu shot campaign advocates for vaccinations against influenza and COVID-19, but also RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) and pneumococcal infections.
Dr. Brian Conway, medical director of the Vancouver Infectious Diseases Centre, said the message is simple: “Vaccinations are good. Please go get your shots as soon as they are available.”
While some people may not be as concerned about COVID as they were five years ago, Conway said there are still reasons to be wary.
“We’re 108 years out from the flu pandemic, and we’re still worried about flu.”
Conway said public health experts are able to learn from the previous Australian flu season, which can inform how vaccines perform.
He added this year’s vaccine is poised to be well matched to the virus strains currently circulating.
Conway encouraged people who don’t feel comfortable with vaccinations to discuss the matter with a doctor.
“Be a student of history,” he said. “Look at the great story that vaccines represent: over a couple of generations, diseases have been eliminated. The health of individuals and populations have been improved by vaccines … I think we need to get back to that.”
