Various reasons explain the high level of occupancy of stretchers in the emergency room at Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, in particular the resurgence of viral activity, respiratory illnesses, including the flu
told us the spokesperson of the establishment.
However, the first available data on the effectiveness of the vaccine against influenza administered since the fall tend to partly explain the frequentation of emergencies.
an upward trend
influenza activity in Quebec. A late flu season, unusual for this time of year, began in early April. The influenza A(H3N2) virus is circulating.
Experts estimate that the expected benefits of a flu vaccination carried out at this time would be small considering the time required to develop immunity following vaccination.
explains by e-mail the spokesperson of the MSSSMarie-Claude Lacasse.
According to Dr. Pierre-Marc Gervais, with a more effective vaccine, a different reflection would have taken place, that’s for sure
.
A 60% effectiveness rate would have been considered high. In 2019-20, for example, the overall vaccine effectiveness in Canada against any type of influenza causing an outpatient visit was 58%.
Several regions are experiencing high emergency room traffic.
1.5 million doses
According to data from MSSS1.5 million doses of the flu vaccine have been administered since October 2021.
More than 500,000 doses are likely to be discarded again this year, given the 2 million ordered. In 2020-2021, just over 1,622,000 doses had been administered and almost 20% of the doses discarded.
On the side of pharmacists,000doses were administered (…) and at least 120000additional doses would have been administered to people who are not included in the Vaccination Program (therefore free)”,”text”:”more than 580,000 doses have been administered (…) and at least 120,000 additional doses would have been administered to people who are not included in the Vaccination Program (therefore free)”}}’>more than 580,000 doses have been administered (…) and at least 120,000 additional doses have been administered to people who are not included in the vaccination program (therefore free) emphasizes Dr. Pierre-Marc Gervais of the Quebec Association of Proprietary Pharmacists. These numbers are slightly higher than last year.
Vaccination coverage against seasonal influenza for the 2021-2022 season is 77.7% among residents of CHSLD public and private, 75.4% among residents of RPA11.6% among pregnant women and 23% among health care workers, the Ministry’s most recent data show.
