Canada Preferably Recommends Enhanced Flu Shots for Seniors

In Canada, most influenza surveillance indicators are increasing but remain within expected levels typical of this time of year.

From August 27, 2023, to December 9, 2023, 163 laboratory-confirmed influenza outbreaks have been reported in Canada.

From an age-group perspective, adults 65 and older have accounted for 42% of recent flu-related hospitalizations.

On December 21, 2023, Canada confirmed its recommendation for seniors to get a flu shot for the 2023-2024 season.

Canada's National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) preferentially recommends adults 65 years of age and older preferentially receive an enhanced influenza vaccine, which includes adjuvanted, high-dose, and recombinant vaccines.

This included CSL Seqirus's FLUAD® Influenza vaccine (surface antigen, inactivated, adjuvanted with MF59®).

"The 2022/23 influenza season was especially challenging for Canadians and added to the already significant strain being experienced by our healthcare systems," said Bertrand Roy, Ph.D., Country Head Medical Affairs Canada at CSL Seqirus, in a press release on December 21, 2023.

The NACI's new recommendation is based on data from studies showing that all approved enhanced influenza vaccines effectively reduce the risk of influenza-related hospitalization and medical encounters.

Influenza causes an average of 12,200 hospitalizations and approximately 3,500 deaths each year in Canada, with the majority occurring in adults over 65 years of age.

Canadians over 65 accounted for 76% of the reported influenza-associated deaths during the 2022/23 flu season.