On Behalf of Dr. Réka Gustafson, VP of Population and Public Health and Chief Medical Health Officer
The following message has been shared behalf of Dr. Réka Gustafson, VP of Population and Public Health and Chief Medical Health Officer.
We are closely monitoring global influenza trends that may influence the 2025-2026 season at Island Health.
Australia recently experienced one of its most severe influenza seasons, with record diagnoses and a significant increase in hospitalizations – a pattern that often predicts increased risk for Canada and other Northern Hemisphere countries. The UK and Japan saw an early start to their influenza seasons this fall, suggesting a challenging year ahead.
Media reports have focused on an emerging subclade of Influenza A (H3N2), raising concerns about a possible mismatch with the H3N2 component of this year's vaccine. However, influenza vaccines protect against three potentially circulating strains of influenza: A/H3N2, A/H1N1, and influenza B. As well, early vaccine effectiveness from the UK is reassuring, with estimates of 70-75% protection in children and 30-40% in adults against hospital attendance and admission.
Vaccination remains the most effective defense against influenza and its complications. While effectiveness varies each year and is only fully assessed at the end of the season, getting vaccinated consistently offers better protection than going without.
Influenza vaccination is recommended for everyone, and health-care workers are strongly encouraged to get immunized. It's the most effective way to protect yourself, your patients and your colleagues.
Visit the Staff Vaccination Intranet Page to learn how to get vaccinated.