The flu season officially ended March 31 as influenza rates have consistently declined, and there are now only low levels circulating in the community, meaning that visitors and staff are no longer required to wear masks if they didn’t get the shot.

An average of 79% of health care staff in regional health authorities got the shot this season, with VCH topping the list at 84%! That’s even higher than last year.

A big thank you, whether you got the shot or wore a mask. You were a true Flu Fighter, ensuring that our vulnerable patients and seniors were protected as much as possible against what can be a life-threatening illness.

The stats

This past flu season was more serious than last year, with many influenza A outbreaks reported from long term care and acute care facilities, and some influenza B outbreaks. While there was a mismatch between the influenza A strain in this year’s vaccine and the circulating influenza A strain, there was an excellent match between the influenza B strain in the vaccine and the circulating influenza B strain. Therefore it is likely those vaccinated were well protected against influenza B, which appeared later in the season.

Win a Starbucks card

Answer 12 quick questions and be entered to win a $25 Starbucks card. This is your opportunity to say what you liked, and didn’t like, about the communication around this year’s campaign, and to give us your ideas for next year! Take the survey here.