Flu shot may not be as effective this year

Re: Protect yourself against the flu, Dec. 12, 2017; Flu outbreak declared, Jan. 4, 2018

The above article on the influenza outbreak in the community extracts an excerpt from the medical officer of health’s column: “There’s no reason to believe this year’s vaccine is not a strong match with circulating strains,” (Dr. Salvaterra) stated.”

In fact, Canada’s chief public health officer, Dr. Theresa Tam, says it’s possible that this year’s flu vaccine may have limited effectiveness against this year’s predominant and severe strain of influenza A (H3N2).

The reason for believing there’s a potential weakness in the vaccine, Tam told the CBC, is the fact that countries in the Southern Hemisphere, which have their flu season before Northern Hemisphere countries, experienced “poor vaccine effectiveness” against H3N2.

Further, Dr. Salvaterra ought to point out that the elderly tend to mount a weak vaccine response, and shouldn’t place too much faith on vaccination for protection. The elderly may experience greater vaccine protection from others being vaccinated - particularly young people (that is, if the vaccine was effective). Social distancing from those suspected to be infected and communicable, and living a healthy lifestyle, are key.

Rob Bartlett Townsend St.