National

B.C. prepares for flu and COVID-19 this fall

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 28 Sep, 2022 01:22 PM

VICTORIA - British Columbia health officials are preparing for a possible surge of influenza infections at the same time as COVID-19 strikes this fall.

The province is offering free flu shots beginning next month for everyone six months and older, while seniors are eligible for enhanced vaccines that provide additional protection.

Officials said during a technical briefing today that pressures on the health system including staffing shortages are being factored into planning for hospital bed capacity.

This is expected to be the first season the flu has a significant comeback since pandemic restrictions dampened the spread of it and other respiratory illnesses over the past two years.

Dr. Bonnie Henry provided an update this afternoon.

Join Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, and Dr. Bonnie Henry, provincial health officer, for an update on respiratory viruses including COVID-19. https://t.co/3fWuEuWQ7G
— BC Government News (@BCGovNews) September 28, 2022

Officials say Omicron is expected to remain the dominant COVID-19 variant for the next few months but they do not expect it to spread or surge to the same heights seen in previous fall or winter seasons.

An official says COVID-19 is expected to surge around November through January, and she expects the flu may peak early this year around the same time, based on the experiences of Australia and New Zealand.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Some cities won’t hit child-care fee target: study

The study by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives says because provinces and territories are taking different approaches to try to meet the government’s initial fee reduction targets, some might miss them.

Some cities won’t hit child-care fee target: study

Long wait-lists for elective surgeries persist

The new report shows hospitals and health systems have gotten better at weathering spikes of COVID-19 infection since the virus first struck the country in early 2020. But the number of surgeries performed still fluctuates with each pandemic wave, compounding backlogs every time.

Long wait-lists for elective surgeries persist

Ballistic missile defence on the table: Anand

Anand told a conference hosted by the Canadian Global Affairs Institute that the government is taking "a full and comprehensive look" at ballistic missile defence as part of a larger review of what is needed to better protect North America from attack.

Ballistic missile defence on the table: Anand

$229 million in aid for Syria, refugees: Sajjan

Canada is giving $229 million in aid for Syria and neighbouring nations hosting refugees from the war-torn state. The aid package includes $169 million for food, clean water and hygiene and health services, as well as support for women facing sexual and domestic violence.

$229 million in aid for Syria, refugees: Sajjan

Two found dead in Abbotsford, B.C., home

Two unnamed victims were found dead inside the home. The police statement says early indications suggest the deaths are not connected to the ongoing Lower Mainland gang conflict.

Two found dead in Abbotsford, B.C., home

Increasing cost of fuel leads to increase in fuel surcharge

Here is an example of what a 2.5 per cent fuel surcharge will be: .45 cents for an adult and $2.00 for a vehicle and driver on the Metro Vancouver – Vancouver Island routes, and .25 cents for an adult and $1.05 for a vehicle and driver on a variety of inter-island routes.