Medical health officer updates

On October 19, 2021, the Ministry of Health announced a universal influenza vaccination program. All residents in British Columbia are encouraged to get vaccinated to protect themselves and their communities.

Health units will begin influenza vaccine distribution starting the week of October 11, 2021.

The impacts from extreme climate events (and related impacts such as food security, working conditions) will be a key driver of increasing global and local health inequities.

Last season, over 30% more doses of influenza vaccines were delivered than a usual year in the Fraser Health region.

Public Health has noted a recent increase in food-borne illness caused by Vibrio parahaemolyticus infections among BC residents, above what we usually expect at this time of year. These have occurred across the province but the majority of cases reside in or have visited coastal areas.

B.C. entered a provincial state of emergency on July 21, 2021, due to the worsening wildfire situation.