Manitoba Prepares for Respiratory Virus Season: Vaccination Focus

As the respiratory virus season approaches, Manitoba’s chief public health officer, Dr. Brent Roussin, emphasizes the importance of preparedness. Although it remains uncertain when this year’s flu season will officially commence, Roussin is confident that it will occur and is advising residents to take necessary precautions.

In a recent interview, Roussin indicated that over 100,000 doses of influenza and COVID-19 vaccines have already been distributed to approximately 1,000 clinics across the province, including several locations within the Prairie Mountain Health region. “There’s no doubt that we will have a respiratory virus season, and there’s no doubt that it will put a strain on our system,” he stated.

COVID-19 cases have shown an increase compared to sporadic influenza activity. During the week of September 21-27, 2023, Prairie Mountain Health reported 17 COVID-19 cases, the second highest in Manitoba. The Winnipeg Regional Health Authority reported the highest number at 75 cases, with the overall total in all five health regions reaching 115 cases. Roussin noted, “COVID-19 hasn’t declared itself as a seasonal virus, because we essentially see it spread all year round.”

As the colder months draw near, Roussin warns that indoor gatherings could lead to a surge in COVID-19 cases. He highlighted that individuals at increased risk continue to experience severe outcomes from the virus.

In preparation for the upcoming season, more than 80 flu and COVID-19 vaccination clinics are set to open in the Prairie Mountain Health region during the last week of October. The first clinics will commence on October 27, 2023, in locations such as Russell, Swan River, and Camperville. In Brandon, clinics will be held at the Brandon Shoppers Mall and the Brandon Friendship Centre, with specific dates for vaccinations scheduled throughout November and December.

Individuals are encouraged to book appointments in advance by calling 1-844-626-8222 or visiting the Prairie Mountain Health website. Although appointments are preferred, walk-ins will be accepted. Roussin also reminded residents to download the immunization consent form prior to their visit.

The updated COVID-19 and seasonal flu vaccines are available for anyone over six months old, with strong recommendations for high-risk individuals, including those aged 65 and older or those with underlying medical conditions. Roussin expressed particular concern about the declining vaccination rates among children, especially those under five years old, who are at significant risk for severe outcomes.

Vaccination rates have notably dropped since the peak during the pandemic years. Last year, only 16 percent of the Manitoba population received a COVID-19 vaccine, with nearly half of those being individuals aged 65 and older. Roussin compared this to previous years, stating, “That’s a dramatic decrease.”

Last year’s respiratory virus season was marked by an unusually late onset, with the highest number of cases appearing in January. Historically, the influenza A virus tends to be more severe at the beginning of the season, followed by influenza B later on. The vaccines provided at the clinics will offer protection against both strains.

Roussin anticipates that when respiratory viruses begin to circulate, the impact on health care facilities will be significant. “One is that people we see in our ICUs and hospitals, almost none of them are vaccinated,” he explained. “The other thing that’s predictable is most of the people we see in our ICUs and hospitals with influenza or COVID-19 have underlying chronic conditions.”

As Manitoba braces for the upcoming respiratory virus season, the focus remains on vaccination as a crucial line of defense against severe illness and hospitalization.