As Canadian students begin returning to school and the weather cools down, preparations for the upcoming fall season of common illnesses are underway. Health experts emphasize that protecting against these seasonal threats involves more than just receiving a flu vaccine.
The latest federal surveillance report, monitoring influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), indicates that the current period of low and stable respiratory illness levels is likely the calm before the storm. With the colder weather approaching, the spread of bugs increases, leading to a rise in emergency department visits and hospitalizations, particularly among children.
Dr. Ayisha Kurji, a pediatrician in Saskatoon and assistant professor at the University of Saskatchewan, highlights the importance of early vaccination against seasonal viruses. McMaster University immunologist Matthew Miller urges Canadians to consider getting vaccinated promptly, especially for the flu, following last year’s unexpectedly severe early flu season peak.
The effectiveness of the flu shot depends on timely immunization to allow the body to build protective immunity. Beyond flu vaccines recommended for all Canadians aged six months and older, experts advise families to consider a range of vaccines to protect against various illnesses like measles, which continues to pose a risk as children return to classrooms after summer travels.
For higher-risk individuals, including older adults, pregnant women, and those with underlying medical conditions, Canada’s national vaccine advisory body recommends receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. Additionally, RSV vaccines are available for older adults and pregnant individuals to combat the dangers posed by this virus to newborns.
Studies have shown that these new RSV vaccines significantly reduce severe infections in vulnerable populations. Alongside seasonal vaccines, maintaining up-to-date routine vaccinations is crucial to prevent vaccine-preventable diseases like measles, which have resurged due to declining vaccination rates.
Dr. Joss Reimer, Canada’s chief public health officer, emphasizes the importance of maintaining vaccination rates to prevent outbreaks of contagious diseases like measles. The resurgence of measles in Canada and the U.S. underscores the need for widespread vaccination to achieve population-wide immunity and prevent further outbreaks.
Despite the availability of effective vaccines, the challenge lies in ensuring sufficient vaccination coverage to protect vulnerable populations and prevent the spread of preventable diseases like measles. Vigilance in maintaining vaccination rates and timely immunization are essential in safeguarding public health as the fall season approaches.