Parents urged to get children flu shot as ER visits surge

Calling it a "very significant" increase in serious influenza cases compared to recent years, British Columbia’s government is urging the public to get vaccinated.

In the past few weeks, emergency rooms across the province have seen an influx of younger children suffering from severe illness, mainly influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

In the Interior Health (IH) region, there were 3,300 pediatric respiratory-related emergency department visits last month.

This is much higher than previous years, with IH data showing that during peak respiratory virus season prior to COVID-19, typically around 2,200 to 2,700 cases are recorded.

“Influenza has come back as it was in a number of years prior to COVID-19,” health minister Adrian Dix told a media briefing Monday. “We’re going to have a record number of people getting flu shots this year, but a record is not what we’re looking for,” adding it is important for everyone to get a vaccine.

The government said over 1.5 million flu vaccines have been given this year, but the concerning issue is only 20 per cent of children under five have had the jab.

The province will be using its provincial health registry to contact parents to increase flu vaccine rates for children.

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said after two years of low rates of flu, mostly due to travel restrictions, the province is seeing a "dramatic increase" in illness and it arrived sooner than normal.

Henry said there is still time for people to get a flu vaccine to protect themselves and their children, especially as the holiday season approaches.

“Typical influenza season lasts about eight weeks, so it’s not too late to make a difference now,” she said. “We can blunt this curve, prevent the spread to family and loved ones, by vaccination now before the holidays so that we can have safe and joyful gatherings.”

Dix said visits to provincial emergency rooms had averaged 6,700 per day, but that is now peaking up to 6,900, with extra pressure on B.C. Children's and Fraser Health hospitals.

In B.C., influenza immunizations are free for everyone six months and older. Children two and older have the option to get a flu shot or a nasal spray. Those under age nine who have never had a flu vaccine need two doses.

There will be a blitz of clinics with plenty of walk-in capacity on Fri., Dec. 9, and Sat., Dec. 10 across the province.

Prime Minister urges vaccine uptake

Meanwhile, the prime minster said he is "extremely worried" about a rise in respiratory illnesses among children as hospitals across the country report they are struggling to keep up with high volumes of patients.

Justin Trudeau is urging Canadians to get vaccinated against both COVID-19 and influenza and said officials will consider the advice of public health authorities when it comes to measures like mandatory masks.

He said it's everyone's responsibility to "step up again" to get vaccinated and keep their families and communities safe from what could also be a resurgence of COVID-19.

--With files from The Canadian Press.