Seasonal Flu Shots Delayed in Canadian Provinces

Several Canadian provinces have made the decision to focus on H1N1 vaccination programs this fall, and to delay seasonal flu vaccines until later in the year. The goal is to focus on getting the H1N1 vaccine distributed quickly, when it will likely do most good, and to avoid confusion that may result in people not getting proper coverage against both seasonal and swine flu.

Quebec is delaying all seasonal flu vaccination until after H1N1 vaccines have been given. The flu season here peaks sometime between January and March, so seasonal flu shots given later in the year will still be effective.

Some provinces, like Ontario and Nova Scotia, are delaying seasonal flu vaccines for all but those over age 65. This population shows some immunity to the H1N1 swine flu and are not among those who most need to be vaccinated against it. They are, however, among those who are most at risk for complications from seasonal influenza. Therefore prompt vaccination of seniors to protect them from seasonal flu is considered important. Although we are currently seeing very little seasonal flu globally due to the prominence of H1N1, seasonal flu may hit more strongly later in the season.

Alberta, British Columbia and Manitoba are still considering how to approach the vaccination, while Saskatchewan may cancel its seasonal flu vaccines completely for 2009. New Brunswick hopes to avoid confusion by moving its seasonal flu vaccination up several weeks. It expects to have completed seasonal flu vaccination by November 15th, when Canadian supplies of H1N1 vaccines are due to become available.

In addition to concern over confusion, decisions to delay seasonal flu vaccines are made with staffing in mind. Health workers who would normally distribute seasonal flu vaccine will be needed to vaccinate people against swine flu. Additionally, health officials are weighing information from a Canadian study that suggests people who have received seasonal flu vaccine may be more at risk for contracting H1N1. The study has been submitted to an unnamed scientific journal, but not yet published. Health officials warn that this effect has not been observed anywhere else in the world.

Despite earlier news that all Canadian H1N1 vaccine would contain the adjuvant which makes it ore effective on the first dose, some vaccine without this booster ingredient has been ordered and will be set aside for pregnant women. The effects of the adjuvant on pregnant women and their unborn babies have not been determined at this time.

Vaccination against both seasonal and novel H1N1 strains of influenza moves forward in other regions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have issued a press release stating that both vaccines can be administered on the same day.

Under 65?

Most Canadians who desire vaccination will simply want to follow the schedule being promoted in their area. If you are in a particular risk group, speak to your doctor to be sure you get the right vaccine for you.

65 or Over?

Watch for news in your area. If the seasonal flu vaccine is not being offered right away to seniors and you are concerned about having to wait, speak to your doctor. While vaccines may not be distributed broadly, if you have a specific need to be vaccinated right away your doctor will be able to advise you accordingly.

Sources:

"CDC Advisors Make Recommendations for Use of Vaccine Against Novel H1N1" CDC

"H1N1 Bulletin" No.6, Nova Scotia Health

"No decision on seasonal flu vaccine here" Winnipeg Free Press

"Provinces begin to make decisions on seasonal flu vaccine programs" Canadian Press

"Quebec to delay seasonal flu vaccination" CBC News

"Timing of H1N1, seasonal flu shots debated" CBC News

Related:

Seasonal Flu Vaccination May Be Delayed or Cancelled | H1N1 History and Recent Developments | Masks and Swine Flu