This year, British Columbia may face a particularly harsh flu season, with alarming developments emerging from Australia.

Australia's flu season has often served as a warning sign for B.C., and this year, they reported record-breaking infection rates, causing concern among local health officials. Dr. Brian Conway, medical director at the Vancouver Infectious Diseases Centre, highlighted that a significant drop in vaccination rates played a crucial role in Australia's alarming statistics.

"We closely monitor the situation in Australia to understand case numbers and hospitalizations, as well as the effectiveness of the administered vaccine against circulating strains. This helps us make last-minute adjustments if necessary," Dr. Conway explained.

Despite confirming the vaccine's effectiveness, he pointed out that not enough individuals got vaccinated, warning, "This is not good. Vaccination rates have dropped significantly, with only about 60-65% of those over age 65 vaccinated in various Australian states, while young adults—who may unknowingly spread the virus—are below 30%."

Dr. Conway empathizes with the vaccine hesitance but encourages open discussions with trusted medical professionals. He urges people, "If you skip the vaccine and contract the flu, the consequences could be dire, especially for older adults with preexisting conditions. Getting vaccinated greatly reduces your chances of infection and needing medical care. Every healthy person has a responsibility to protect the vulnerable among us."

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, B.C. has seen a decline in vaccination rates, and Dr. Conway hopes residents will shake off any lingering complacency. He asserts, "We need to aim for a 50% vaccination rate for the general population and over 75% for high-risk groups, particularly those aged 65 and older. Australia has a long way to go; let’s strive to meet these targets."

Importantly, children as young as six months are eligible for the flu shot.

As new COVID-19 variants emerge alongside an increasing number of measles cases and expected RSV surges, Dr. Conway stresses the importance of consulting a healthcare professional not just about flu and COVID-19 vaccines, but also for any necessary updates on other immunizations.

The Ministry of Health has notified that a sufficient supply of COVID-19 booster shots has been secured, with both COVID-19 and flu vaccines slated for release by mid-October.