As Canadian students return to school and the weather cools down, the upcoming fall season brings the risk of seasonal illnesses. Health experts emphasize that safeguarding health goes beyond receiving a flu shot. The latest federal surveillance report highlights low and stable levels of influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), signaling a potential resurgence in the coming months as people spend more time indoors.
Pediatrician Dr. Ayisha Kurji from Saskatoon warns that colder weather tends to facilitate the spread of viruses, leading to increased emergency department visits and hospitalizations among children. McMaster University immunologist Matthew Miller advises Canadians to plan for seasonal vaccinations early. Notably, last year saw an unusually severe early peak in flu cases, underscoring the importance of timely immunization to allow the body to develop protective immunity before flu season peaks.
It takes a few weeks for the body to mount a peak immune response post-vaccination. Miller stresses the significance of getting a flu shot in the fall, recommended for all Canadians aged six months and above, as part of a broader range of vaccines families should consider. In addition to flu shots, measles remains a concern, especially after summer travels, as children return to school and are potentially exposed to various infections.
For the fall season, Canada’s national vaccine advisory body recommends COVID shots for high-risk groups such as older adults, pregnant individuals, and those with underlying health conditions. RSV vaccines are also available for older adults and pregnant individuals to combat the severe risks posed by this virus to newborns. Studies demonstrate the effectiveness of RSV vaccines in reducing hospitalization risks for infants.
In addition to seasonal vaccines, experts emphasize the importance of staying updated on routine vaccinations to prevent the resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases like measles. Recent data shows varying vaccination rates in Canada, contributing to measles outbreaks across North America. Health officials urge the public to prioritize vaccination to maintain herd immunity against highly contagious diseases like measles.
The U.S. has witnessed multiple measles outbreaks in 2026, while Canada lost its measles elimination status due to a surge in infections. Dr. Bonnie Henry in British Columbia highlights the impact of measles outbreaks on unvaccinated children. Health professionals stress the preventability of measles through vaccination and the importance of achieving optimal vaccination coverage to curb the spread of infectious diseases.