SUDBURY—There are two varieties of influenza vaccine, aka the flu shot, a standard dose and a “high dose” version that is only available to those over the age of 65. While not “delayed” as such, the high dose version is in a limited supply and the next shipment is not anticipated until December. If your health professional does not have the high dose version available the message from the Sudbury and District Health Unit is clear and simple: don’t delay, get the standard shot.
SDHU Public Health Nurse Karly McGibbon spoke with The Expositor about the efficacy and availability of the flu shot this year.
As to the efficacy, how well this year’s version of the flu shot works, Ms. McGibbon was said the verdict is still out. “We don’t know yet,” she admitted. “We have not had any confirmed cases in Sudbury yet.” Ms. McGibbon explained that each year’s shot is assembled on a best guess basis as to what strains of flu are most likely to appear in the local population—based in part on what takes place in Australia, whose flu season predates our own by six months. “What shows up there usually shows up here,” she said. “So we can pull data from there.”
The standard flu shot contains protection from four strains of influenza: two type A and two type B. “Type A was about 99 percent of what we saw happening here last year,” said Ms. McGibbon.
The high dose flu shot has only three strains, two type A and only one type B, but is four times as strong as the doses contained in the standard version. “Usually it is type A that attacks the elderly population,” said Ms. McGibbon.
Last year saw an “enormous amount of sick kids,” noted Ms. McGibbon. “It was a really bad year for kids getting sick.” Last year several young children were counted among the dead.
Influenza and pneumonia are ranked among the top 10 leading causes of death in Canada, and each year it is estimated that influenza causes approximately 12,200 hospitalizations, with 3,500 deaths.
Flu shots are distributed first to high risk populations, specifically those living in long-term care facilities, and Manitoulin actually was the first to get this year’s version, but the high dose shots are only available to those over 65—period. After long-term care facilities and retirement homes, high dose shots are distributed on an equal basis to doctors. The doctors then determine who of those in their care over 65 are most at risk.
“The shots are distributed equally to doctors throughout our catchment area,” said Ms. McGibbon. “We don’t discriminate on the basis of where you live.”
The SDHU region encompasses Manitoulin, Sudbury, Espanola, Chapleau and extends to Sudbury East.
Ms. McGibbon was adamant about how people should approach the flu shot this year. “Please don’t delay,” she said, advising that if you have not received the high dose version, get the standard version. “The standard protection is better than nothing—please get that.”
As for those still opposed to vaccinations for children, Ms. McGibbon suggested spending some time around a pediatric unit to see how that works out.
Other strategies to limit your exposure to the flu remain simple and easy to follow. First and foremost, wash your hands. Even after getting the flu shot, washing with soap and water for at least 15 seconds helps keep the virus from spreading and if soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer (gel or wipes) with at least 60 percent alcohol. Cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze, and don’t be putting that tissue in your pocket or desk—throw it out. If you don’t have a tissue handy, cough into your upper sleeve. You’ve seen people do it.
Don’t touch your face, it’s hard, but the virus spreads when droplets enter your body, most often through your eyes, nose or mouth.
If you are sick, stay home. Viruses love close company.
Finally, clean and disinfect surfaces and shared items (like keyboards, we here at The Expositor keep a collection of alcohol wipes on hand in the production room). Remember, viruses can survive for 48 hours on hard surfaces like countertops, door handles, computer keyboards and phones.
