We are seeking your assistance in protecting our population during the upcoming respiratory season.
Last year, influenza activity peaked seven weeks earlier than the pre-pandemic average and significantly impacted the pediatric population. In the last respiratory season, COVID-19 was present in B.C. at fluctuating levels and older adults (60+ year olds) were impacted the most by COVID-19 hospitalizations, ICU admissions and deaths (B.C. Respiratory Season Report 2022/2023).
The provincial 2023/2024 influenza and COVID-19 immunization campaign will start in mid-October. Both vaccines are highly recommended for all eligible B.C. residents six months of age and older. Vaccines will be available at:
- Participating pharmacies by appointment for COVID-19 vaccines (12+ year olds) and influenza vaccines.
- Public Health Units by appointment for children under 12 years of age and one additional family member.
- On-site vaccination for Long-Term Care residents.
- New: Physician and nurse practitioner offices can offer COVID-19 vaccines in addition to influenza vaccines to their patients this year.
Vaccine ordering
We anticipate ordering for the influenza and new COVID-19 vaccine products to go live in the first two weeks of October. Please check the online vaccine order request form for confirmation of the go live ordering date. Once these products are available to order, there will be a banner on the online vaccine order request form that will say "Influenza and the new COVID-19 vaccine products - Ordering now available.”
Physician and nurse practitioner offices |
|
Long-Term Care facilities |
|
Pharmacists |
|
2023/2024 COVID-19 vaccines
COVID-19 vaccine products
- Health Canada recently approved the Moderna COVID-19 XBB.1.5 Omicron subvariant vaccine.
- Pfizer and Novavax XBB.1.5 products are pending Health Canada approval.
- Early evidence suggests these vaccines will provide protection against other circulating Omicron subvariants.
- Supply should start arriving in B.C. at the end of September.
- Co-administration with influenza vaccine is recommended.
Storage and handling
- Historically, unpunctured COVID-19 vaccine vials contain multiple doses and are fridge stable (2°C - 8°C) for roughly one month. Once punctured, they can be kept at fridge or room temperature and must be used within 12 hours (Pfizer) or 24 hours (Moderna).
- The BCCDC Immunization manual – Part 4 Biological Products COVID-19 pages will be updated to reflect the new COVID-19 vaccine products.
Documentation
- The province requires that all COVID-19 vaccines administered are documented in the provincial immunization registry system.
- Fraser Health is currently working with the province to create a user-friendly method for documentation.
The 2023/2024 influenza vaccines
| Product | Fluzone® Quadrivalent Inactivated |
Flulaval® Tetra Inactivated |
Fluad® Inactivated, Trivalent |
Flumist® Quadrivalent Live Attenuated |
Fluzone® High-Dose Quadrivalent Inactivated |
| Supplier | Sanofi Pasteur |
GlaxoSmithKline |
Seqirus |
AstraZeneca |
Sanofi Pasteur |
| Indicated age | Six months and older | Six months and older |
65 years and older | Two - 17 years inclusive 18 - 59 year olds with needle phobia |
65 years and older living in Long-Term Care, Assisted Living and First Nations communities |
| Formats available | Multi-dose vial and pre-filled syringe |
Multi-dose vial and pre-filled syringe |
Pre-filled syringe |
Intranasal spray |
Pre-filled syringe |
| Expiry | Up to the date of expiry listed on the vial or pre-filled syringe |
Multi-dose vial: 28 days after first entry pre-filled syringe: date of expiry listed on the syringe |
Up to the date of expiry listed on the pre-filled syringe |
Up to the date of expiry listed on the sprayer/box Shelf life is approximately four months |
Up to the date of expiry listed on the pre-filled syringe |
| Contains Thimerosal | Yes in multi-dose vial No in pre-filled syringe |
Yes in multi-dose vial No in pre-filled syringe |
No | No | No |
|
The 2023-2024 influenza vaccines in B.C. contain the following WHO recommended strains:
|
|||||
| Vaccines should be kept at 2°C - 8°C at all times. See this quick reference on storage and handling |
|||||
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine update
Health Canada approved Arexvy, a vaccine for the prevention of RSV-associated lower respiratory tract disease in adults 60+ years of age. At this time, the vaccine is not publicly funded in B.C. and recommendations by the National Advisory Committee on Immunizations (NACI) are pending. Initial clinical trials have shown an overall protective efficacy of ~75 per cent against medically attended RSV-associated lower respiratory tract disease in the first two years post-vaccination (MMWR). Pharmacies may offer Arexvy for private purchase this fall.
Additional resources
- BCCDC Immunization Manual Chapter 2: Immunization, Part 4 – Biological Products (Vaccines & Immune Globulins)
- Fraser Health website: Immunization resources for Community Vaccine Providers
- To report an adverse event following immunization (AEFI) refer to the AEFI section.
- Direct your patients to ImmunizeBC.ca for information about vaccines.