Vaccines remain best defense against viral trio for older adults

Flu season is already here, and COVID-19? It never really left. Added to the mix there is now RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) to contend with and it is being recommended by Niagara Public Health and others in healthcare that older adults and the more vulnerable members of the population in Niagara get vaccinated against all three.

“What (vaccines) really do is they give our body a blueprint or a map, so our immune system knows a pathogen — it knows a bug — before we see it and get infected,” said Dr. Azim Kasmani, Niagara’s medical officer of health and commissioner of public health and emergency services.

“We know that the average age in Niagara is above the province and so it does put us at somewhat higher risk.”

Because of that, he said, it’s not only important for older adults and other vulnerable members of the population to get vaccinated, but also the people closest to them should do likewise.

“The chance, once I'm vaccinated, is it's less likely that I'm passing on the virus even if I do get sick. There are all sorts of benefits, and that's the reason we try to encourage vaccines more broadly as well.”

Public Health, Kasmani said, is targeting certain segments of the population for its vaccine program.

“Our clinics are really looking at those high-risk groups, which are for kids six months to five years old, people who are homebound and specific populations like that,” Kasmani said.

Residents of the Region’s long-term care homes also fall into this category, he added.

Kasmani said the Region is not utilizing the provincial booking system for people to set aside a time to get vaccines. Instead, people can book by calling 905-688-8248, ext. 7425.

“The good thing is that we'll have somebody on the other end who can answer your call and questions,” Kasmani said. "So, if it's somebody who's not one of our target demographics, and that's people who can get it at a pharmacy, which is a pretty convenient place, or at their family doctor, then we will guide them over there.”

Kyle Boggio of the Boggio Family of Pharmacies, said the group’s 10 pharmacies are all offering residents a chance to get both COVID and flu shots.

“It’s a good idea for seniors. It's good idea for anybody that has any type of immunodeficiency or other illnesses that may make an illness like the flu worse for them.”

The same goes for getting a COVID shot, Boggio said.

“There is a new one. It covers the new strain, and that's what we're vaccinating with.”

The shots, he added – and Kasmani agreed – can be administered at the same appointment, making it more convenient.

In the case of his family’s pharmacies, people are taking advantage of all of the ways they are accommodating those looking to get vaccinated.

“We have a number of people booking online,” he said. “We take phone calls. There's some walk-in but you'd have to check with your store to see if they're doing walk-in.”

Residents can also get their shots at their family doctor.

As for the RSV vaccine, the Province has also expanded the high-risk older adult RSV prevention program and has already received doses for all those 60 years of age and older living in long-term care homes, elder care lodges and retirement homes. In addition, babies ages infant to 24 months are eligible as are pregnant women.

“Ontario’s RSV programs will play a pivotal role in protecting the babies, young children and older adults who are most susceptible to severe outcomes caused by the virus, including serious lung infections and hospitalization,” said Dr. Kieran Moore, Chief Medical Officer of Health. “To be well-protected this respiratory illness season, I also encourage everyone to get their COVID-19 and flu vaccinations, especially those aged 65 and older, as well as those who are at higher risk for severe outcomes.”