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The Nova Scotia Nurses’ Union has been touting the importance of influenza immunization for nearly twenty years via campaigns, complete with TV commercials, print ads, opinion pieces, newsletter articles, video messages, and media interviews where willing participants received their flu shot live on-air.
For close to two decades, Janet Hazelton has been the face of the campaign, imploring at-risk immune-compromised Nova Scotians to #GetTheShot! We also targeted healthy Nova Scotians who believe they’re invincible, hoping they’d get on side. They’re usually the same hardy individuals who work through their illness, spreading it to co-workers, their families and friends. The NSNU has long worked with the provincial Influenza Immunization Stakeholders Committee to ensure our messages are on point, and that our unified and amplified voices reach the masses.
This year, infectious disease experts who specialize in influenza and emerging respiratory illnesses are sounding alarms saying, this flu season could be unlike any we’ve experienced due to COVID-19. The flu can take an enormous toll on the health-care system, so it's vital that people do what they can to reduce their chances of getting it.
Any overlap or “twindemic” could also lead to unnecessary testing and treatment, slowing an already overburdened system. Unimmunized people with flu symptoms may seek testing and medical attention for COVID when they likely have the flu. This impact will be felt in the workforce, in hospitals and testing facilities.
In the past, it was often difficult for people to discern whether they were suffering through a cold or flu. In 2020, and perhaps years to come, we have a much more menacing prospect to add to that list.
As always, Nova Scotia will continue to provide publicly funded influenza vaccine for anyone 6 months of age and older with high dose influenza vaccine for those 65 years of age living in long term care facilities. The vaccine will be available shortly after Thanksgiving.
In light of COVID-19, influenza vaccine clinics and immunization methods may look different with respecting of public health measures (physical distancing, non-medical mask use, enhanced hand washing, etc.). Health care workers will be some of the first to line up for the vaccine.
The Department of Health and Wellness is increasing vaccine coverage not only to protect against influenza but to hopefully reduce the impact to our health system, knowing the capacity may be stressed if we see an influx of COVID-19.
We’ve always maintained that getting the shot protects our seniors and people with underlying health conditions. This flu season, we must consider the far-reaching consequences of influenza during a pandemic. For so many important reasons, Get The Shot!
