With Christine Elliott
As a former Ontario health minister, I am concerned about the health of Canadians – and the health of our health care system – as flu season is here. I started a career in politics because I care deeply about making the lives of our fellow Canadians better. As Health Minister, I was driven by the knowledge that our decisions could have a profound impact on the most vulnerable people. It was important to me to ensure that care was there for everyone when it was needed most.
I also know that each of us can make the same impact by protecting ourselves, our families and our neighbors while helping our health system focus on those who need help the most. Every time you get the flu shot, that’s exactly what you’re doing.
I am concerned about the recent decline in vaccination rates across the country. Skipping the flu shot isn’t just a risk for individuals. it also puts communities at risk.
We often downplay the flu, but it’s important to remember that it’s not just a bad cold. The flu can have devastating, even fatal consequences, especially for some of the most vulnerable among us – our children, our grandparents, people who are immunocompromised or have chronic illnesses. Thousands of Canadians get the flu every year and for vulnerable people, that can mean a stay in hospital – or worse. We hate to think about it, but 80 children have died from the flu in Canada from 2004-2022.
Indeed, in more recent flu seasons, we have seen an increase in flu-related complications, resulting in greater pressure on emergency departments and hospital beds. This has an impact beyond those who suffer from the flu and its complications.
Every bed occupied by a flu patient is not available for someone suffering a heart attack, stroke or needing emergency surgery. It can mean longer waits in the emergency department for a child with a broken arm, or delays in seeing a doctor for cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Canadians are rightfully proud of their public health care system, and for good reason. But we must also recognize that our system is under incredible stress. Hospitals are stretched thin. I am concerned that a severe flu season could make this situation much worse.
The good news is that it is within the power of every Canadian to help, through a simple, selfless act: getting the flu shot.
A large majority of Canadians support vaccination, but most are not vaccinated. You may feel it is inconvenient or unimportant. But it is important, especially for those around you who are at high risk of complications.
Only 42 per cent of Canadians received the flu shot during the 2023-2024 flu season. In addition, the Canadian National Immunization Advisory Committee recommends influenza vaccination for all children six months of age and older, yet influenza vaccine uptake remains low. During the 2021-2022 flu season, only 33 percent of children ages six months to 17 years received the flu shot.
It’s important to know that governments in every province and territory have made it easier to get a flu shot – at your local pharmacy, your family doctor or nurse, or a public health clinic.
It’s also good to know that flu shots can be given together with other vaccines, such as those for COVID-19, pneumococcal pneumonia, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), or shingles.
Canadians know the flu is here. We know that anyone, even those who appear healthy, can get it. We know that for some it can be very serious, further stretching our precious healthcare resources. And we know that the seasonal flu vaccine is one of the best ways to protect ourselves and the wider community from disease.
The seasonal flu vaccine is a simple and profound act of Canadian community care and national strength. Let’s come together this flu season to help protect ourselves, our loved ones and our communities, and at the same time, keep our health care system healthy so care is accessible to those who need it most.
—
Previously Posted at healthdebate.ca with Creative Commons license
***
–
The world is changing fast. We help you keep going.
We will send you 1 post, 3 times a week.
Join The Good Men Project as a Premium member today.
All Premium members can watch The Good Men Project ADS-free. Need more information? A full list of benefits is here.
—
Photo source: iStock
The post Getting a flu shot is a small but deep and profound act of Canadian community care appeared first on The Good Men Project.
