Manitoba’s Health Officials Urge Flu Vaccination Despite Strain Concerns

Manitoba’s chief provincial public health officer, Dr. Brent Roussin, is encouraging residents to receive their influenza vaccinations despite concerns regarding a mismatch with the current H3N2 strain. This year’s flu vaccine may not effectively combat the H3N2 variant, known as subclade K, but officials maintain that vaccination remains the best defense against severe illness.

Dr. Roussin highlighted a significant rise in influenza positivity rates across Manitoba in recent weeks, primarily attributed to the H3N2 subtype of the influenza A virus. He stated, “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.”

The province has reported a total of 556 influenza cases since late August, with a notable increase in new infections. Between November 23 and November 29, there were 262 new cases statewide. Dr. Roussin emphasized the unpredictable nature of flu vaccine effectiveness, which can only be fully assessed mid to late season, once sufficient data is collected.

Influenza A is known for its ability to mutate, often resulting in more severe outbreaks, particularly during the early part of the flu season. Dr. Roussin noted that even if the vaccine does not completely prevent illness, it generally provides strong protection against serious outcomes, such as hospitalizations and fatalities.

According to the World Health Organization, the flu vaccine for the northern hemisphere is developed based on data from the southern hemisphere. As such, variations in the virus can lead to mismatches in vaccine effectiveness. Dr. Roussin remarked, “Every year, you know, around this time, we see significant impacts from respiratory virus season… impacting individuals, families, communities, and the health-care system.”

In the Prairie Mountain Health region alone, there have been 111 reported cases of influenza since late August, with 41 new cases identified in the last week of November. Children aged five and under are particularly susceptible to influenza, but Dr. Roussin pointed out that severe outcomes can affect individuals across all age groups.

The latest data also highlighted a troubling trend in emergency department visits, with 1,623 respiratory-related visits reported, including 46 flu-related hospital admissions and three deaths. Dr. Roussin cautioned that while influenza is a common illness, it should be taken seriously. “It’s predictable that we see these severe outcomes and most times when we see these severe outcomes, those are in unvaccinated people,” he stated.

Vaccination is recommended for everyone over six months, especially those at higher risk, such as individuals over 65 and those with underlying health conditions. “We know both these vaccines have good safety profiles and are effective at preventing severe outcomes,” Dr. Roussin added.

In addition to flu vaccinations, COVID-19 remains a concern in Manitoba. Since late August, there have been 167 COVID-19 cases in the Prairie Mountain Health region and 966 statewide. During the same week as the influenza report, the province recorded nine hospital admissions and seven deaths related to COVID-19.

Dr. Roussin acknowledged the prevalence of misinformation regarding vaccines, urging individuals to consult health-care providers with any concerns to make informed decisions. Since August, more than 205,000 COVID-19 vaccines and over 288,000 flu shots have been administered in Manitoba.

To facilitate vaccinations, Prairie Mountain Health has organized pop-up clinics across the region, including locations such as the Brandon Friendship Centre and Shoppers Mall. Jan Loe, director of public health services for Prairie Mountain Health, stated, “Although PMH public health community clinics are winding down, we continue to encourage vaccination and for people to talk to their local public health nurse, pharmacist, or primary care provider about options to protect themselves, their families, and communities.”

Preventative measures remain crucial as respiratory viruses are transmitted through the air or via contaminated surfaces. Public health officials recommend regular hand washing, covering coughs with sleeves, and staying home when ill to mitigate the spread of these illnesses.