Question Period Note: Seasonal Influenza

The flu season in Canada usually runs from mid-November to mid-May. Each year in Canada, seasonal influenza leads to an estimated 12,200 hospital stays and 3,500 deaths. The flu shot, recommended for all Canadians six months of age and older, is the most effective way to prevent the flu and flu-related complications, such as pneumonia.

• The health and safety of Canadians is our Government’s top priority
• Vaccination is the best defense against the flu. That is why we work with the provinces and territories to provide flu vaccine to Canadians every year during flu season.
• We are putting a focus on raising public awareness of the benefits of vaccination for individuals, families and communities. We are giving Canadians the information they need to prevent illness.

If Pressed:
• While vaccination is not mandatory in Canada, the Government of Canada is committed to vaccination as a safe and effective public health measure that prevents disease and disability.
• Provincial and territorial governments deliver vaccination programs and determine public health requirements in their jurisdictions.

Seasonal influenza epidemics occur in Canada every year. Canada’s flu season typically runs from mid-November to mid-May and peaks during the winter months. The best time to get the influenza vaccine is between October and December; however, the vaccine can still be effective even when received during later winter months. Each year in Canada, seasonal influenza leads to an estimated 12,200 hospital stays and 3,500 deaths. The flu shot, recommended for all Canadians six months of age and older, is the most effective way to prevent the flu and flu-related complications, such as pneumonia.

Vaccine Effectiveness & Coverage:
Flu circulation is currently too low to monitor the effectiveness of this season’s vaccine. Interim vaccine effectiveness estimates can usually be assessed by mid-February.

Last season, vaccine effectiveness was estimated to be 67% against the predominant strain (influenza A (H1N1)) and approximately 56% against all influenza strains. Significant protection was observed in all age groups, especially young children who were disproportionately affected by the flu last season. Vaccine effectiveness against A (H3N2) was estimated to be 17% for all age groups but, was lower among working age adults 20-64 suggesting that the vaccine may have provided little or no protection against A (H3N2) among working age adults. Vaccine coverage estimates for the 2018-19 season are not yet available. For the 2017-2018 season, vaccine coverage for adults aged 18 years and older in Canada was 38%, and 71% among adults 65 years of age and older.

2019-20 Influenza Surveillance in Canada:
Canada participates in national and international activities to detect and monitor the spread of influenza in humans and animals. The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) maintains FluWatch, Canada's national surveillance system that monitors circulating flu viruses, activity levels, outbreaks and hospitalizations.

As of week 45 (November 3 to 9, 2019), 711 laboratory-confirmed influenza detections have been reported; 85% of these have been influenza A. To date this season, participating provinces/territories have reported 60 influenza-associated hospitalizations (88% associated with influenza A), 6 Intensive Care Unit admissions, and no deaths have been reported. The highest estimated rate of hospitalization is among adults 65 years of age and older.

Influenza Vaccine Development and Supply:
The World Health Organization (WHO) issues recommendations each year on the composition of the influenza vaccines for the southern and northern hemispheres. These recommendations are used by national vaccine regulatory agencies and pharmaceutical companies to develop, produce and license seasonal influenza vaccines.

The provinces and territories (P/Ts) and some federal departments (Indigenous Services Canada, Correctional Service of Canada, Global Affairs Canada, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and Department of National Defence) order the majority of their influenza vaccine through Public Services and Procurement Canada’s Bulk Procurement Program. The P/Ts use their discretion to make decisions regarding their influenza vaccination programs, including eligible populations, vaccine types and quantities.

Recommendations for Influenza Vaccination:
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI), an expert advisory body to PHAC, annually reviews available scientific evidence to provide recommendations for vaccinating Canadians with seasonal flu vaccine. NACI recommends that everyone 6 months and older, without contraindications, receive an annual flu shot.

The influenza vaccine remains the best line of defense against influenza and is especially important for those at high risk of severe illness from influenza. Evidence suggests that the influenza vaccine protects pregnant women and their newborns. NACI notes that seasonal influenza vaccination provides benefits to health care workers and to the patients for whom they care. NACI considers the provision of influenza vaccination to be an essential component of the standard of care for all health care workers for the protection of their patients.

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