Cases of influenza in children are on the rise across the province including in northern B.C. prompting Northern Health to urge parents to get their children vaccinated ahead of the holidays.
In a press conference earlier this week, provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said the province is seeing a dramatic increase in cases of Influenza A, particularly H3N2, which can cause severe illness, especially in children.
Hospital emergency departments across B.C. are also seeing a spike in flu-driven visits.
“We are seeing several respiratory viruses circulating in B.C. right now. and the same thing in northern B.C. and we are seeing more children having severe illnesses in the past few weeks, particularly from influenza,” said Dr. Jong Kim, Chief Medical Health Officer at Northern Health.
He said many children have not been exposed to influenza or other respiratory illnesses in the last two years due to the public health prevention measures in the pandemic.
“There’s an increase in influenza cases across the province, and in northern B.C. we are seeing that increase of influenza cases with the majority of cases people under 19. “
He said Northern Health is seeing influenza levels similar to levels prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, which were suppressed over the previous two years due to COVID-19 public health measures.
In B.C., everyone six months and older is recommended to get an annual influenza vaccine, especially those at greatest risk from infection including children under five years of age, adults 65 years and older, pregnant people and those with some chronic conditions.
“It is really important to get vaccinated and if possible, we are working to provide more opportunities, so people can get vaccinated before those holiday gatherings,” said Dr. Kim, noting it takes two weeks for the vaccinations to be fully effective.
Children under nine years of age who receive their first dose of influenza vaccine ever, need a second dose following a four-week interval. Those children who received influenza vaccination in past years require only a single dose.
“We are working to provide more clinics to accommodate more appointments sooner and also, we are working on the drop-in option so people and children can come in without appointments to get vaccinated,” added Dr. Kim.
In Prince George, drop-in flu clinics for children aged 6 months to 12 years old will be offered from Dec. 12 to Dec. 16 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Northern Interior Health Unit at 1444 Edmonton St.
Booked appointments also continue to be available and can be scheduled through the Get Vaccinated System or by calling 1-833-2323.
The most up-to-date flu vaccine clinic info will be available through Northern Health’s website.
“It is important for us to get vaccinated and support our loved ones to get vaccinated for this flu season,” said Dr. Kim.
“It is also important to keep children or yourself at home if you are sick and for them to wear masks if they are experiencing mild symptoms and to remind them to frequently wash their hands.”
