As people in British Columbia gather to celebrate the holiday season, the province encourages everyone to book an appointment to receive their free influenza and updated COVID-19 vaccines now to protect themselves against severe illness and hospitalization.

Based on the most recent epidemiological data available from the BC Centre for Disease Control, influenza levels continue to increase throughout the province, primarily the H1N1 strain. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity also continues to increase, and test positivity remains high among children, the Ministry of Health and Office of the Provincial Health Officer outlined in a media release.

Meanwhile, COVID-19 test positivity, cases, hospitalizations and deaths have decreased since early October. As of Thursday, Dec. 7, there were 182 patients in hospital with COVID-19, 17 of them in critical care.

“We want everyone in B.C. to be safe as they gather this holiday season,” said Dr. Bonnie Henry, provincial health officer. “That is why continuing to practise healthy habits is so important, so people can focus on connecting and celebrating during the coming weeks.”

“Even if you have caught a flu or COVID-19 in recent months, getting immunized with an updated influenza and COVID-19 vaccine if you haven’t had one is still the best way to protect you from the current strains of respiratory illnesses that are circulating right now,” added Adrian Dix, Minister of Health.

“Since the launch of the immunization campaign in October, almost half (46%) of the provincial population of people aged 80 and older have their updated COVID-19 vaccination. We encourage those who have not received it yet to book their immunization appointment now. It’s easy, convenient and free to get immunized in B.C. We can all do our part to support each other and the health-care workers who are working hard to keep our communities healthy and safe during the holiday season.”

This year’s respiratory illness immunization campaign was launched to the general population on Oct. 10. As of end of day of Sunday, Dec. 10, B.C. had administered 1,443,752 doses of influenza vaccines and 1,289,849 doses of COVID-19 vaccines.

B.C. has the highest vaccination rates in Canada. However, it is crucial that people continue to get immunized, the health ministry said.

Interior Health has administered 236,649 influenza vaccines, compared to 244,285 last year, and 212,316 COVID-19 vaccines, compared to 176,388 last year.

People can be immunized with influenza and COVID-19 vaccines that are available at more than 850 pharmacies throughout the province, as well as many health-authority clinics and primary-care providers’ offices.

Vaccines are free and available for everyone six months and older, including enhanced influenza vaccines for seniors.

Vaccine-appointment capacity is available in all regions.

Interior Health file photo

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