In Canada, the flu is making a comeback, following a challenging flu season in the southern hemisphere. There is concern about a new variant of the H3N2 strain circulating, possibly not well matched to this year’s vaccine. Despite this, health experts emphasize the importance of getting vaccinated as the current flu shot still provides significant protection against severe illness, especially for high-risk individuals.
Flu vaccine effectiveness varies each season due to the virus’s constant changes. The primary goal of the flu shot is to prevent serious illness and death rather than just avoiding infection. Research by Matthew Miller from McMaster University demonstrated a considerable reduction in disease severity post-vaccination.
Vaccination not only protects individuals but also helps prevent the spread of the virus to vulnerable populations, such as older adults. The National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommends flu shots for high-risk groups, including older adults, young children, pregnant women, and those with underlying health conditions.
Skipping the flu shot increases the risk of severe illness, as shown by data indicating unvaccinated individuals accounted for a significant portion of hospitalizations and deaths during past flu seasons. Getting vaccinated significantly reduces the risk of severe flu-related outcomes.
While this year’s flu shot may not be a perfect match for the evolving H3N2 strain, experts advise that it still provides valuable protection against various influenza types. Despite potential mismatches, the vaccine’s ability to prevent severe infections underscores the importance of vaccination, especially with the rise of the H3N2 strain.