HALIFAX – The province of Nova Scotia is gearing up for the flu season with a new way of fighting it: a different vaccine.
“We still have the two strains of influenza A but we’ve added a second influenza B strain,” said Nova Scotia public health officer Dr. Robert Strang.
“It just increases the protection of the vaccine and we thought it made complete sense.”
Last year, the flu vaccine offered to Canadians was not as effective as expected. The vaccine covered the H1N1 strain, H3N2 strain and a strain of the B influenza; however the vaccine was not a good match to the strain of H3N2 that emerged. Numbers from the Public Health Agency of Canada show there were 606 deaths and more than 8,000 hospitalizations during last year’s flu season.
Strang said Nova Scotians can expect this year’s vaccine to be different.
“We’re certainly in full expectation that we have much better protection with this year’s flu vaccine,” Strang said.
“H3N2 remains a type of flu strain that’s a little bit harder to get a very good match but we still have a good match with H1N1 and the B strains.”
Strang said the virus tends to circulate late December to early January with the peak season in January and February.
Flu season around the corner
Pharmacist Ann Marie Siteman said the flu season is imminent.
“Anytime now,” she said. “People are starting already to get head colds and the flu will be following.”
Siteman said there was high demand for the vaccine last year; she is expecting even higher interest this year.
“I think we’re going to be busier than we were last year. Word is out. Pharmacies have it, pharmacists have training. It’s just the accessibility,” she said.
Siteman said she has already vaccinated a few customers who have come into the pharmacy. She said there are two reasons residents should get the vaccine sooner rather than later.
“As soon as the flu starts and people hear of the flu, they’re running to get the flu shot. The sooner you get it, your body is building its immunity and it’s going to protect you better,” she said.
Pharmacists recommend seniors, children and those with compromised immune systems to get the vaccine. However, they said it is something everyone should consider.
“You may have an elderly mother and if you get the flu shot, then you’re preventing yourself from getting the flu, you’re preventing it from spreading to that elderly person,” she said.
“It’s preventing the spread of the infection. It’s not just for yourself, it’s for everyone around you.”
Strang said he expects the province to use the quadrivalent flu vaccine moving forward.
He also suggests careful handwashing, coughing into your sleeve and staying home if you’re feeling ill as ways to avoid catching and spreading the flu.
The Department of Health and Wellness has ordered 470,000 doses of the vaccine. It ordered the same amount last year.
The vaccine is free and available to all Nova Scotians.
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