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B.C. has launched its annual fall immunization campaign amid an early start to the cold and flu season.
New this year, the province will be offering an enhanced flu shot and an immunization for RSV for seniors.
The B.C. Centre for Disease Control said the early rise in cases is predominantly being driven by this year’s flu strain — H1N1, or influenza A — which is known to peak earlier and cause more severe illness.
The H3N2 strain is also playing a role, according to Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry.
Both strains, along with influenza B, will be included in the latest vaccine, with a nasal spray available for children.
For COVID-19, two mRNA vaccines will be available, as well as some protein subunit vaccines for those who request them.
The new RSV vaccine has already seen a limited rollout and will be available for adults over the age of 75 and First Nations residents over the age of 60.
Henry said that while cases are on the rise earlier than usual, they’re remaining at a moderate level. She said it is still too early to tell how the rest of the season will go.
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Victoria pharmacy manager Fairuz Siraj said he’s noticing people have been getting hit harder than usual this season.
“What is different this year, I would say, is the severity, it seems that people are just getting more sick or having more severe symptoms,” he said.
He said several of his own employees have called in sick in the past few weeks.
Health Canada data shows that overall, across the country, cold and flu activity remains low.
The country saw a 3.7 per cent influenza test positivity rate in the week of Sept. 21-26, according to the Government of Canada respiratory virus surveillance report’s latest data.
Siraj said a good way to stay healthy is to get your flu shot, wash your hands and stay home when you’re sick.
“Basic stuff that we would want to do, regardless of what strain it is. I think if we follow that, keep it simple, I think that would be the best thing for everybody,” he said.
Eligible British Columbia will get a message from the province’s Get Immunized program to book their vaccination appointments.