British Columbia health officials are urging residents to seek influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations as respiratory illnesses-including a dominant H3N2 strain-begin circulating widely ahead of the holiday season. The province is experiencing a rise in both flu and RSV infections, with pediatric cases showing a especially noticeable increase according to the latest report from the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control. Health authorities emphasize vaccination remains the most effective tool to protect against serious illness and potential hospitalization, despite challenges with vaccine hesitancy and evolving strains.
Health officials in British Columbia are urging residents to get vaccinated against the flu as cases rise across the province, particularly among children. This comes as seasonal respiratory illnesses begin to circulate more widely, posing a potential risk to vulnerable populations.
The latest weekly report from the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC), covering the period from November 30 to December 6, shows an increase in flu cases across all age groups, with a more pronounced rise observed in pediatric cases. The BCCDC is also reporting an increase in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections, especially among young children. RSV is a common respiratory virus that typically causes cold-like symptoms, but can be more severe in infants and older adults.
“As British Columbians gather to celebrate the holiday season, I encourage everyone to get vaccinated against both influenza and COVID-19 to protect themselves and their loved ones from serious illness,” said Dr. Bonnie Henry, the province’s medical health officer, in a statement.
Dominant H3N2 Strain
This year, the dominant flu strain circulating in British Columbia is the H3N2 subtype of influenza A. Health officials note that H3N2 can cause more severe illness than other strains, particularly in seniors. The findings underscore the importance of vaccination, even as strains evolve.
Even though we are seeing a new H3N2 strain, called sub-clade K, that isn’t as well-matched to the H3N2 component of the vaccine as we’d hoped, we know, from studies done in other parts of the world, that the vaccine still offers good protection against serious illness and hospitalization.
Dr. Henry added that the vaccine remains effective against the H1N1 strain and influenza B, which are also contributing to cases in British Columbia.
“I say it all the time: no vaccine, no protection. […] The vaccine makes a difference, and if it makes a difference between being hospitalized or not, I think it’s worth it,” added Dr. Martin Lavoie, the province’s deputy medical health officer.
Officials also recommend vaccination for children, who, “under 5 years of age can be very severely affected.”
“We’ve been sending that message regularly, but it seems like people are forgetting or it’s less important,” he lamented.
Vaccine Hesitancy
Dr. Tom McLaughlin, a pediatrician at BC Women’s and Children’s Hospital, noted that hospitals are seeing more children with respiratory symptoms, and many of them are unvaccinated. This trend highlights the ongoing challenges of vaccine hesitancy and the spread of misinformation.
“Over the past few years, we’ve seen an increase in the number of people who are hesitant, who may have been exposed to misinformation about vaccines,” he explained, specifying that this issue has been present since the COVID-19 pandemic.
“By getting vaccinated, you reduce your own risk and your children’s risk of contracting serious illnesses,” he emphasized.
With information from Shaurya Kshatri and the program Phare Ouest
