Respiratory Illness Seasons Start Early in Parts of the Maritimes as Nova Scotia Launches Vaccine Campaign
New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island have seen early starts to their respiratory illness seasons, while Nova Scotia launched its vaccine campaign on October 8 ahead of expected increases. Health officials note flu activity typically moves west-to-east across Canada, and pharmacists report fully booked vaccine appointments amid high demand.
Respiratory illness seasons have begun earlier than usual in parts of the Maritimes, prompting health officials to urge residents to get vaccinated as soon as possible.
New Brunswick announced that its respiratory illness season started sooner this year, while Prince Edward Island's season began on August 30. In contrast, Nova Scotia's Department of Health and Wellness stated that the respiratory illness season has not yet officially started in the province. Health authorities define the start of the season when five per cent of lab tests come back positive for infection.
To get ahead of the anticipated rise in cases, Nova Scotia launched its vaccine campaign on October 8. Dr. Jesse Kancir, deputy chief medical officer, noted that British Columbia has already experienced an early start. He explained that this is typical for the Maritimes because flu activity generally follows a west-to-east pattern across the country.
Between October 4 and 10, Nova Scotia recorded 41 COVID-19 cases, 37 influenza cases, and zero RSV cases. Dr. Kancir stated that current numbers are creeping up quicker than last year but remain far off from December peaks.
Nova Scotia currently holds the highest rate of flu immunizations in Canada, and demand continues to be strong. Pharmacist Jamie Flynn reported that vaccine appointments at The Medicine Shoppe in Halifax are fully booked.