Health agency does not expect significant delays
The Public Health Agency of Canada says it does not expect manufacturing delays of this year's flu vaccine to significantly delay provincial and territorial flu vaccine programs.
“The Public Health Agency of Canada is aware of concerns regarding the timely delivery of this year's influenza vaccine to provincial and territorial public vaccination programs,” said the Public Health Agency spokesperson Natalie Mohamed.
PHAC says it has talked to provinces and confirmed that delays in manufacturing flu vaccines this year will not “significantly affect rollout of their vaccination programs.
“However, some provinces or territories may delay the official launch of their program to account for time required to redistribute vaccine within their jurisdiction after it is received from the manufacturers.”
Seventy-five per cent of Canada's influenza vaccine supply is expected by October 15, Mohamed said, with remaining vaccine expected by the end of October, ahead of the launch of public vaccination programs.
Public health units in Ottawa and Eastern Ontario have been warned that flu vaccine could be delayed by several weeks because the World Health Organization was later than usual determining the makeup of the vaccine, which delayed manufacturing.
Ottawa's medical officer of health Dr. Vera Etches said there is a possibility that the flu season could begin before vaccines are widely available. In Australia, which can sometimes predict flu seasons in the Northern hemisphere, the flu season was harsher than usual and started much earlier.
“We are monitoring this situation closely and will continue to work with jurisdictions and manufacturers to ensure that provincial and territorial estimates for the need for influenza vaccine are met,” said Mohamed on behalf of the Public Health Agency of Canada.
“The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring that all Canadians who would like to receive a flu shot will have access to a flu shot, as it is the most effective way to prevent the flu and reduce the severity of symptoms.”