Influenza
Age or chronic conditions make the flu even more dangerous
Announcing the publication of the WHO immunological basis for immunization series module on influenza vaccines
In 2017, the World Health Organization (WHO) published a document aimed at facilitating influenza vaccine introduction and use in low- and middle-income countries. The document, “The Immunological Basis for Immunization Series: Influenza Vaccines”, is freely available on the WHO website. The main purpose of this document is to give immunization managers and vaccination professionals an authoritative but easily-understood overview of the scientific basis of influenza vaccination and the immunological basis for the WHO position on influenza vaccines. The influenza vaccine document comprises one module of the WHO Immunological Basis for Immunization series. The immunization community is invited to use these references; it is hoped that the influenza vaccine module will be a valuable resource for persons who manage and monitor influenza vaccine programs, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
Canadian Immunization Guide Chapter on Influenza and Statement on Seasonal Influenza Vaccine for 2018–2019
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI): Canadian Immunization Guide Chapter on Influenza and Statement on Seasonal Influenza Vaccine for 2018–2019 updates NACI’s recommendations regarding the use of seasonal influenza vaccines.
Canadian Pandemic Influenza Preparedness: Communications strategy
This strategy is grounded in several communications guiding principles: putting the health of Canadians first; providing timely and sound information; communicating in a coordinated fashion from across all levels of government; protecting confidentiality; and monitoring and adapting to the public’s perception of risk. The Annex outlines a risk communications approach, proposes triggers for action based on pandemics of varying impact, and includes a Communication Protocol that will be used countrywide in the event of a pandemic.
Chapitre sur la grippe du Guide canadien d’immunisation et Déclaration sur la vaccination antigrippale pour la saison 2018–2019
Le présent document, intitulé Comité consultatif national de l’immunisation (CCNI) : Chapitre sur la grippe du Guide canadien d’immunisation et Déclaration sur la vaccination antigrippale pour la saison 2018-2019, met à jour les recommandations du CCNI concernant l’utilisation de vaccins antigrippaux saisonniers.
For older Canadians, the flu shot is a lifesaver
Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness in Preventing Influenza-associated Hospitalizations During Pregnancy: A Multi-country Retrospective Test Negative Design Study, 2010–2016
In this retrospective cohort of over 2 million pregnancies that researchers assembled from 2010 to 2016 across 5 regions in 4 countries, 84% of the pregnancies overlapped with an influenza season. Thus, the risk of influenza virus infection is relevant to most pregnant women.
Intranasal influenza vaccine: Why does Canada have different recommendations from the USA on its use?
Canada and the USA differ in their recommendations for the use of live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV). The Canadian National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) continues to recommend LAIV as one of the influenza vaccines available for use in children 2 to 17 years of age. The US Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices made an interim recommendation against the use of LAIV for the 2016-2017 influenza season in response to low LAIV effectiveness observed in the USA during the 2013-2014 to 2015-2016 seasons. The recommendation has been continued for the 2017-2018 season. In response, NACI undertook a review of available LAIV effectiveness data in children and adolescents from Canada, the USA and a number of European countries. This commentary by Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer summarizes the findings of that review and provides the rationale for Canada’s current continued recommendation for LAIV use.
Les recommandations relatives aux vaccins antigrippaux administrés aux enfants et aux adolescents pour la saison 2017-2018
La Société canadienne de pédiatrie continue d’encourager la vaccination antigrippale annuelle de TOUS les enfants et les adolescents, dès l’âge de six mois. Les recommandations du Comité consultatif national de l’immunisation (CCNI) pour la saison 2017-2018 n’ont pas subi de changements importants par rapport à la saison précédente. Le CCNI a analysé toutes les données sur l’efficacité du vaccin vivant atténué contre l’influenza (VVAI) sur le marché et conclut qu’elles en appuient l’utilisation au Canada, même si les États-Unis ne le recommandent pas en raison de doutes quant à son efficacité.
Les recommandations relatives aux vaccins antigrippaux administrés aux enfants et aux adolescents pour la saison 2018-2019 : Point de pratique de la Société canadienne de pédiatrie
La Société canadienne de pédiatrie continue d’encourager la vaccination antigrippale annuelle de tous les enfants et les adolescents, dès l’âge de six mois. Les recommandations du Comité consultatif national de l’immunisation (CCNI) pour la saison 2018-2019 n’ont pas subi de changements importants par rapport à la saison précédente. Le vaccin quadrivalent continue d’être recommandé chez les enfants âgés de six mois à 17 ans lorsqu’il est disponible. Tant le vaccin antigrippal inactivé que le vaccin vivant atténué peuvent être utilisés pour les enfants et les adolescents de deux à 17 ans qui ne sont pas immunodéprimés.