With the return of Canadian children to school and the impending drop in temperatures, the onset of fall brings the likelihood of seasonal illnesses. According to health experts, safeguarding one’s health goes beyond just receiving a flu vaccine.
The most recent federal surveillance report, monitoring influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), indicates a period of relative calm before an anticipated resurgence of these respiratory threats in the coming months. Dr. Ayisha Kurji, a pediatrician based in Saskatoon and an assistant professor at the University of Saskatchewan, highlighted the correlation between colder weather, increased indoor activities, and the spike in illnesses leading to higher emergency department visits and hospitalizations for children.
Immunologist Matthew Miller from McMaster University advised Canadians to plan ahead for seasonal vaccinations. Citing the previous flu season’s early severe peak, he emphasized the importance of timely immunization to allow the body sufficient time to build protective immunity. Miller recommended getting the flu shot in the fall, as it takes around two to four weeks for the body to mount a peak immune response.
Apart from the flu shot, which is recommended for all Canadians aged six months and older, Miller stressed the importance of considering a range of vaccines for comprehensive protection. Additionally, with measles continuing to circulate, there is a potential for increased transmission as children return to school after summer travels.
In preparation for the fall, Canada’s national vaccine advisory body recommends a COVID-19 shot for higher-risk individuals, such as older adults, pregnant individuals, and those with underlying medical conditions. Dr. Kurji emphasized the importance of continuing to receive the COVID vaccine due to its ongoing impact on hospitalizations.
Furthermore, RSV vaccines are available for older adults and pregnant individuals to combat the dangers posed by this virus to newborns. Recent research has shown significant reductions in severe RSV-related illnesses with the introduction of these vaccines, particularly during pregnancy.
In addition to seasonal vaccinations, experts underscore the necessity of keeping up with routine immunizations to combat the resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases like measles. Dr. Joss Reimer, Canada’s chief public health officer, expressed concern over the decline in childhood vaccine uptake, emphasizing the importance of maintaining vaccination rates to protect vulnerable populations.
The resurgence of measles across North America has been attributed to middling vaccination rates, with Canada falling short of the ideal population-wide vaccination coverage. The U.S. has experienced numerous measles outbreaks in 2026, while Canada lost its measles elimination status last year due to thousands of infections. Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.’s provincial health officer, noted that most hospitalized individuals during the province’s measles outbreak were unvaccinated children.
Dr. Kurji emphasized the preventability of measles through vaccination and urged the public to ensure full vaccination coverage. With modern clinicians’ limited exposure to measles cases, there is a risk of delayed recognition and transmission prevention measures.
In summary, as the fall season approaches, proactive measures such as timely vaccinations and maintaining routine immunizations are crucial in safeguarding public health against the resurgence of infectious diseases.
