Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and B.C.'s lead on vaccinations Dr. Penny Ballem provided an update on respiratory illnesses in the province during a Monday, Dec. 4 media conference. (B.C. Government)

By Ian Holmes

virus season

Push for higher vaccination rates made as flu virus clamps down on young people

Dec 5, 2022 | 2:55 PM

NANAIMO — Influenza cases continue rising as provincial health officials attempt to combat low vaccination rates among youth.

Provincial health officials outlined an increase of flu cases is leading to severe illnesses for young and old people during a Monday, Dec. 4 media briefing.

However, BC’s lead of the province’s vaccination program Dr. Penny Ballem stated youth have been vaccinated at much lower levels than vulnerable seniors. She said they’d like to see more protection for those aged six months to four-years-old.

“They are the most vulnerable and amongst those children we have only 20 per cent have been vaccinated. For those five to 11, 20 per cent have been vaccinated and for our teens only 15 per cent.”

Flu shot rates for seniors 65-years-old and up are over 50 per cent.

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While no new health mandates were announced during the briefing, the province is sending invitations to parents and caregivers of children six months to four-years-old currently not enrolled in the province’s Get Vaccinated system.

The hope is more young children will get their flu vaccination with the virus, predominantly, the influenza A strain, hitting young people hard and earlier in the season.

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry told the briefing data is showing previously increasing numbers of RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) appear to be leveling off.

Prevalence of COVID-19 cases remains steady, mainly impacting older people, Dr. Henry said.

She said cases of the flu impacting young children is reflected in high admission totals in healthcare settings and absenteeism rates impacting schools.

“We know, much more than COVID, influenza can cause more severe illness in children, especially young children, and can lead to secondary bacteria infections.”

Following two previous years of public health measures largely keeping the flu in check, Dr. Henry said the virus is proliferating throughout a population with reduced immunity protection.

She emphasized lab tests are showing this year’s flu vaccine comprising of four strains, including the two predominant ‘A’ strains, appear to be the right fit in reducing severe health outcomes.

“All the indications so far is that there’s a good match for the vaccine. We know that when there’s a good match we can get 50 to 70 per cent protection against infection and against illness of influenza.”

The flu vaccine is free to any British Columbian this year six months and older, which can be booked through the province’s Get Vaccinated system, pharmacies or family physicians.

More than 1.5 million British Columbians have received a flu vaccine so far this season.

The virus typically peaks during a six to eight week timeframe, typically causing 2,300 to 3,000 deaths across Canada annually, Dr. Henry said.

Provincial health officials staged prior media briefings, in late September and mid November, regarding spikes in respiratory illnesses province-wide.

While Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools stated it does not have formal data regrading absenteeism for students and staff, a spokesperson acknowledged respiratory illnesses are impacting both students and staff at this time.

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ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes