Newfoundland and Labrador’s top doctor is urging the public to get vaccinated against both the flu and COVID-19 to help reduce case numbers this season, following a particularly severe flu season last year in the province.
Dr. Janice Fitzgerald emphasized the importance of vaccination by highlighting the record-breaking flu season with over 2,000 lab-confirmed cases and 743 hospitalizations. Shockingly, seven out of 10 hospitalized individuals with influenza were not vaccinated, with the majority being over 65 years old.
Fitzgerald stressed that increasing vaccination rates can significantly mitigate the impact of both flu and COVID-19. This year’s flu vaccine protects against three strains of the virus, and although the senior vaccination rate was around 50% last year, the ideal rate should be at least 80%.
Vaccination against the flu is crucial for children aged six months to five years, individuals over 65, and those at higher risk of severe infection like pregnant women and individuals with underlying health conditions.
In addition to flu vaccination, Fitzgerald emphasized the importance of COVID-19 vaccination. Last year, there were 1,500 lab-confirmed COVID-19 cases and 112 hospitalizations, mostly among seniors. Fitzgerald pointed out that if all hospitalized COVID-19 patients had been vaccinated, 112 out of 172 hospitalizations could have been prevented.
Fitzgerald emphasized that getting vaccinated not only protects individuals but also contributes to herd immunity. Both flu and COVID-19 vaccines can be administered simultaneously, and appointments for free vaccinations are now available online through Public Health or at participating pharmacies and primary care providers.
Saniya Alwani, a pharmacist and assistant professor at Memorial University’s school of pharmacy, stressed the importance of vaccination in maintaining herd immunity and preventing the spread of diseases. She highlighted the collective responsibility of individuals in keeping the community safe by getting vaccinated.
By ensuring widespread vaccination against the flu and COVID-19, individuals can play a crucial role in safeguarding public health and reducing the transmission of these viruses.