Protecting Your Health This Respiratory Season
Vaccination remains one of the most effective tools we have to protect our health. Getting your influenza, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines reduces your risk of infection and helps prevent serious complications. The vaccines also help protect people close to you because you are less likely to spread illness to them if you are vaccinated. These viruses generally spread late fall and peak in the winter.
Each vaccine may be given at the same time. There is currently no product that combines the vaccines in one injection. It takes approximately two weeks after receiving your shot for your body to build best protection. How well the vaccines protect you can vary depending on factors like your age, overall health, and how closely each season's updated vaccine formula matches the strains currently circulating.
The Annual Influenza (Flu) Vaccine
Influenza causes 12,200 hospitalizations and 3500 deaths (including children) per year in Canada. Because influenza viruses mutate and different strains circulate each year, an annual shot is essential. The World Health Organization studies worldwide trends and updates the vaccine formulation every season. This is done to ensure that the influenza vaccine provides protection against the strains of the virus that are most likely to circulate each year. All individuals 6 months and older are recommended to receive the influenza vaccine. Available at pharmacies for individuals 2 years and older.
COVID-19 vaccine
Similar to influenza, the COVID-19 virus mutates often and the updated annual COVID-19 vaccines target the specific strains currently circulating and causing illness, hospitalizations and death. All individuals 6 months and older can receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Available at pharmacies for individuals 6 months and older.
Some individuals are at higher risk of developing complications with COVID-19 and are recommended to receive the vaccine, including those who are:
· Over the age of 65.
· Residents of a long-term care facility.
· Individuals with underlying medical conditions, including children.
· Pregnant.
· From First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities; or from racialized and other equity-denied communities.
· Healthcare workers.
Some people are at higher risk of complications from COVID-19 and are recommended to receive two doses annually (1 in the fall, 1 in spring) because their protection from the vaccine weans quicker. These people include:
· Those who are moderately or severely immunocompromised (e.g. organ transplant recipients).
· Individuals 65-79 years with underlying medical conditions (e.g. diabetes, moderate asthma, high blood pressure).
· Individuals 80+ years.
· Long-term care residents.
RSV vaccine
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a respiratory virus that can lead to hospitalization and death. It is not a new virus but as of a few years ago, there are vaccines available. If you have already received an RSV vaccine in previous seasons, you do not need to receive a booster. RSV vaccine is a single dose and should be given to:
· Individuals aged 75 and older.
· Individuals 60-74 years of age with underlying medical conditions.
· Pregnant individuals who are 28-36 weeks pregnant and will be delivering during the RSV season (this will help protect the baby).
· Infants under the age of 8 months; or under the age of 24 months who remain vulnerable to severe RSV disease such as congenital heart disease, cystic fibrosis, certain respiratory conditions, severely immunocompromised.
RSV vaccines are typically given at your doctor’s office and may be given at the pharmacy with a prescription.
Resources:
· Canadian Immunization Guide: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/canadian-immunization-guide.html
· Vaccines and Immunization: https://www.ontario.ca/page/vaccines
· Ottawa Public Health: Immunization and Vaccines: https://www.ottawapublichealth.ca/clinics-education-and-supports/immunization-and-vaccines/
· COVID-19 Vaccines General Information: https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/healthaz/infectious-diseases/covid-19-vaccines-general-information/?language=en#/
