Fraser Health is urging residents across the region to prioritize influenza immunization this fall as a new flu variant begins circulating in local communities. Health officials say the annual flu vaccine remains the strongest defence against infection and severe illness, even as the H3N2 variant emerges.
In a statement, the health authority emphasized that the updated flu shot protects against multiple strains and is expected to provide at least partial coverage against the new variant. “Because of the new H3N2 variant showing up this flu season, people have asked if it’s worth it or not to get the flu vaccine this year,” says Dr. Ingrid Tyler, chief medical health officer, Fraser Health. “The answer is unequivocally yes as the vaccine likely provides some cross-protection against the H3N2 variant, and most of all helps protect you against more severe health outcomes if you do get sick. Vaccination remains your best defense against any version of flu this season.”
Health authorities across Canada typically see an uptick in influenza transmission from late fall through early spring. With the arrival of an evolving H3N2 strain — often associated with more pronounced symptoms and greater impact on older adults — public health officials say early vaccination could help reduce community spread and lower demand on already strained emergency departments.
Fraser Health notes that people who receive the flu shot are significantly less likely to require medical attention for flu-related symptoms. Vaccination also reduces the likelihood of hospitalization or death, particularly among groups at higher risk of complications. Those include children under five, adults over 65, pregnant individuals and people with chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma or heart disease.
Officials stress that broad uptake of the flu vaccine plays an important role in protecting the health-care system. Emergency departments across B.C. have faced persistent pressures since the COVID-19 pandemic began, with seasonal surges in respiratory illness compounding ongoing staffing and capacity challenges. The health authority says preventing flu-related complications helps ensure care is available for people experiencing urgent or life-threatening health concerns.
Booking a flu shot remains straightforward, according to Fraser Health. Residents can register or schedule an appointment through B.C.’s Get Vaccinated system or by calling 1-833-838-2323. Additional appointment times are expected to be released as more vaccine shipments arrive. The authority advises people to check back frequently if their preferred location or time is not immediately available.
Like other respiratory viruses, influenza spreads easily through droplets expelled by coughing, sneezing, talking or by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching one’s face. Common symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, muscle aches and cough. While most people recover within a week or two, some develop secondary infections or complications that require medical care.
In addition to immunization, Fraser Health is reminding residents to continue taking preventive steps that have proven effective in reducing flu transmission. Those include regular handwashing, staying home when ill and wearing a mask when sick but unable to avoid contact with others. Such measures, the authority says, help limit the spread of infection in households, workplaces and schools.
Fraser Health has published additional resources on flu and COVID-19 prevention at fraserhealth.ca/defence. The authority is also promoting a broader winter readiness campaign that encourages residents to take proactive steps to protect their health, including receiving recommended vaccines, maintaining healthy hygiene habits, selecting appropriate care options and staying safe while travelling during winter conditions. More information is available at fraserhealth.ca/WinterSetGo.
Fraser Health provides care across the traditional, ancestral and unceded territories of the Coast Salish and Nlaka’pamux Nations and serves 32 First Nations within the Fraser Salish region. The organization says it is committed to supporting all Indigenous peoples and honouring the cultural traditions of First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities. Its hospital and community-based services are delivered by more than 50,000 staff, medical professionals and volunteers throughout the region.
The health authority says that by taking simple precautions now — starting with timely immunization — residents can reduce their risk of illness and help strengthen community health as winter approaches.
