Manitoba Health Officials Urge Flu Vaccination Despite Mismatch

Manitoba’s chief provincial public health officer, Dr. Brent Roussin, is urging residents to receive their flu vaccinations, despite concerns regarding a potential mismatch between this year’s vaccine and the latest H3N2 mutation. The call for vaccination comes as the province has experienced a notable increase in influenza cases recently.

In a statement, Dr. Roussin emphasized that while the H3N2 subtype, particularly the subclade K variant, may differ from the vaccine’s formulation, it remains crucial for individuals to get vaccinated. “It’s really important that the discussion that there could be a possible mismatch shouldn’t affect anybody’s ability or anyone’s decision to receive that vaccine, because it’s still our best protection,” he said.

The province has recorded a “dramatic increase” in influenza positivity rates, primarily attributed to the H3N2 strain. According to the latest data from the provincial respiratory virus surveillance report, there have been a total of 556 flu cases in Manitoba since late August, with 262 new cases reported during the week of November 23 to November 29. Children aged five and under are at higher risk, but severe outcomes can affect all age groups, Dr. Roussin noted.

Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness and Recommendations

Dr. Roussin explained that the effectiveness of the flu vaccine against circulating strains is often assessed mid to late season. While the vaccine targets influenza A subtypes, including H3N2 and H1N1, he highlighted that even when efficacy against illness is limited, the vaccine is generally effective in preventing serious outcomes, such as hospitalizations and deaths.

The World Health Organization formulates the vaccine for the northern hemisphere based on its effectiveness against strains noted in the southern hemisphere. Consequently, if a strain evolves before the vaccine’s distribution, mismatches may occur. Dr. Roussin reinforced the importance of taking influenza seriously, stating, “It’s predictable that we see these severe outcomes, and most times when we see these severe outcomes, those are in unvaccinated people.”

The current influenza season has already resulted in significant health impacts, with 1,623 respiratory-related emergency department visits in Manitoba starting from November 23, including 46 flu-related hospital admissions and three deaths.

COVID-19 and Vaccination Campaigns

Alongside flu vaccination efforts, Manitoba’s public health officials are continuing to promote COVID-19 vaccination. Since August, the province has administered over 205,000 COVID-19 vaccines, with more than 288,000 residents receiving a flu shot. Dr. Roussin encourages everyone over six months of age to get vaccinated against both influenza and COVID-19, particularly those at higher risk, such as individuals over 65 or those with underlying health conditions.

The spread of COVID-19 in Manitoba has remained consistent, with 167 cases reported in the Prairie Mountain Health region since late August. During the week of November 23, there were 11 new COVID-19 cases in that region and 43 province-wide. This same week saw nine hospital admissions and seven related deaths.

Dr. Roussin acknowledged the prevalence of vaccine misinformation and encouraged residents to discuss any concerns with healthcare providers. Prairie Mountain Health has established multiple vaccination clinics, including pop-up sites in various locations, to facilitate access to both flu and COVID-19 vaccines.

As the respiratory virus season continues, public health officials remain vigilant. Dr. Roussin and Jan Loe, director of public health services for Prairie Mountain Health, emphasize the importance of vaccination and preventive measures to protect individuals and communities from these contagious viruses.