Those across B.C., particularly people more susceptible to respiratory illness, are encouraged to get flu shots heading into an uncertain fall and winter flu season. (Image Credit: THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP/LM Otero)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

many factors

‘Too early to tell:’ health officials encourage vaccinations amid uncertain flu season

Oct 7, 2026 | 11:13 AM

VICTORIA — Provincial health officials are encouraging those at risk of severe respiratory illness to protect themselves ahead of the fall and winter flu season.

Medical health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry outlined what they’re expecting this season during a media availability on Wednesday, Oct. 7, saying influenza test rates have already increased to what she considers a “moderate” level.

“It’s a little bit early compared to the last few seasons, but not out of the ordinary for what we’ve seen in the past. It is still too early to tell if it’ll be more severe this year or how bad a season it will be.”

It comes on the heels of what Henry called a “difficult year” in 2025 for influenza, with higher illness across many communities in B.C.

Two main variants of seasonal flu circulated, according to provincial data, increasing hospitalization rates.

many factors

'Too early to tell:' health officials encourage vaccinations amid uncertain flu season

1h ago

vote early

Advance voting opens in 2026 Municipal Elections

5h ago

local vote

Second Parksville all-candidates forum focusing on local economic development

20h ago

Heading into fall and winter this year, provincial health officials don’t have a high degree of confidence in what to expect.

Data usually collected from the southern hemisphere flu season showed vast differences between illnesses in Australia, New Zealand and South America.

Henry said it’s one reason why it’s important to get the most up-to-date version of the flu vaccine, as it contains the latest strains likely to circulate.

“We know that these viruses, in particular, keep changing over time. Sometimes it’s slight, sometimes it’s more of a bigger change, and this is the case particularly for influenza and COVID-19.”

Three strains included in this year’s flu shot are new, compared to past years, according to Henry.

She added if people are feeling sick, they should stay at home whenever possible, or wear a mask if they need to go into public places.

Supplies of flu shots are available through primary care providers, or pharmacies across the province, along with vaccines for other illnesses, including Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which can more directly affect seniors and those living in long-term care or assisted living facilities.

Follow us on Facebook. Join Everything Nanaimo on Facebook and stay connected with everything happening on central Vancouver Island.

info@nanaimonewsnow.com

Follow us on: Twitter (X) | Bluesky | Facebook

by NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

‘Too early to tell:’ health officials encourage vaccinations amid uncertain flu season

More Local News