Health Canada data show B.C. is seeing early influenza season signals, with test positivity above five per cent in the week of Oct. 4.
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New Health Canada data indicate B.C. is seeing influenza activity arrive earlier than usual, with more than five per cent of tests detecting influenza in the week of Oct. 4.
The most common influenza detection was Influenza A(H1N1), accounting for 98.4 per cent of positive results in the reported data. Health Canada said the population most affected was people aged 65 years and older.
Dr. Brian Conway, medical director of the Vancouver Infectious Disease Centre and the Vancouver Urban Health Centre, said the province uses a positivity threshold to mark the start of respiratory virus season. “When test positivity exceeds five per cent, we declare the beginning of the respiratory virus season,” Conway said.
Conway noted rates were already in excess of 14 per cent at the end of September, and he said flu season appeared to be starting earlier in B.C. because it began early in the Yukon. “We’re starting to see hospitalizations,” Conway added, and he encouraged people to get vaccinated.
B.C.’s flu and COVID-19 vaccine program was announced by Dr. Bonnie Henry about a week, or 10 days, earlier than it usually is, according to Conway. Henry said free vaccines would be available this season against influenza, COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and pneumococcal disease.
Henry said residents at higher risk of serious illness from influenza or COVID-19 should prioritize getting vaccinated. She identified infants and children under five, people 65 years old and older, pregnant people, people living in long-term care, Indigenous people and those with chronic conditions as being in higher-risk categories.
Conway said vaccine side effects should be expected but are usually temporary, adding that people concerned about side effects could take over-the-counter medication and plan accordingly. “But many people, if you’re very concerned, take an ibuprofen, take an acetaminophen, make sure that the next day you don’t have anything really pressing to do and in almost all cases, the side effects wear off, and now you’re protected for the entire season,” he said.
Notifications to book appointments began for higher-risk populations on Oct. 5, with appointments starting Tuesday, Oct. 13. Notifications are set to continue and expand to the general population through early November 2026 using the Get Vaccinated registration system.
Anyone not already registered in the Get Vaccinated system can register online or by calling 1-833-838-2323.
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