Public Health Message: Get Your Flu Shot This Season
With the influenza season underway in Prince Edward Island, health officials are urging residents to roll up their sleeves for a flu shot. While vaccines are continually updated to match circulating strains, experts acknowledge uncertainty around how well the current H3N2 component will protect against a newly developing strain.
Dr. Heather Morrison, P.E.I.’s chief public health officer, has emphasized that vaccination remains the most effective defense against influenza. “Vaccination reduces the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death,” she noted in a recent briefing. “Even when there isn’t a perfect match to every circulating variant, the vaccine generally provides valuable protection and can lessen the overall impact of the season.”
The evolving nature of influenza means health authorities must balance the science of vaccine design with real-time surveillance. H3N2 has historically been associated with more severe illness among older adults and those with underlying health conditions, which makes vaccination particularly important for vulnerable populations on the island.
Why a Flu Shot Still Matters
Vaccines are formulated each year to target the most likely circulating strains. While a perfect match is not guaranteed, the shot trains the immune system to recognize key influenza traits, reducing the chance of severe respiratory illness. This season’s guidance underscores
- Protection for high-risk groups: seniors, young children, pregnant people, and those with chronic diseases
- Reduced pressure on local healthcare systems: fewer hospitalizations can ease demand on beds and staff
- Community protection through herd immunity: higher vaccination rates help limit the spread
Public health officials also remind Islanders that the flu shot is separate from, and does not protect against, other respiratory viruses like COVID-19 or the common cold. It is, however, an important layer in a broader effort to keep communities healthier during the fall and winter months.
Choosing the Right Time and Vaccine Type
Experts suggest getting vaccinated as soon as possible within the season, while supplies last. The influenza vaccine is available in several forms, including standard injections suitable for most adults and children, and, in some cases, alternatives for those with needle phobia or specific medical considerations. It’s important to consult a healthcare provider to determine the best option based on age, health status, and personal risk factors.
Seasonal vaccination is particularly critical for Islanders who interact with higher-risk groups, such as the elderly in care facilities, school communities, and workplaces with older staff. Even if the circulating strain shifts, the vaccine’s broader immune training can still reduce illness duration and severity.
What Islanders Can Do Now
Beyond vaccination, public health officials recommend practical steps to minimize flu transmission:
- Wash hands regularly with soap and water
- Use hand sanitizer when soap isn’t available
- Avoid close contact with sick individuals and stay home when ill
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow
- Keep vaccinations records updated at local clinics or pharmacies
Local clinics and pharmacies across Prince Edward Island are administering flu vaccines. Islanders are encouraged to check appointment availability, eligibility criteria, and potential cost coverage through public health programs. If you’re unsure about eligibility or vaccine timing, contact your family doctor or a public health clinic for guidance.
Looking Ahead: Monitoring and Communication
Health authorities will continue to monitor the influenza season, sharing updates on vaccine effectiveness and any shifts in circulating strains. Islanders can expect periodic advisories if new information emerges about H3N2 or other variants. The overarching message remains clear: protect yourself and your community by getting the flu shot this season, even in the face of uncertainty about evolving strains.
