Update: Flu vaccine
Advisory Alert
November 27, 2020
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To: All health care providers
FOR IMMEDIATE ATTENTION
Re: Supply of high-dose influenza vaccine and additional doses of regular vaccine
Ontario has received all of its provincial order for the high-dose (60 μg) trivalent influenza vaccine (IIV3-HD). All of these doses have been distributed by the Ontario Government Pharmaceutical and Medical Supply Service (OGPMSS) and we are advised that there will not be any more shipments of the high-dose vaccine.
Please note that for seniors 65 years of age and older, there is no preferential recommendation for high-dose trivalent over quadrivalent influenza vaccine (QIV) according to the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI). It is critical to note that both vaccines are safe and effective.
Additional information and guidance
- As it is important that all seniors get a flu shot, please ensure to recommend QIV in the absence of high-dose vaccine.
- Early uptake of the flu vaccine and continued COVID-19 public health measures including masks, hand hygiene, and physical distancing will help to keep cases of influenza low this year. Please continue to encourage your patients/clients to follow these recommendations.
- We anticipate limited availability of further influenza vaccine doses this year. However, the province is continually assessing supply options and reaching out to federal government agencies and the private sector to identify additional opportunities to acquire quadrivalent flu vaccine. We will provide updates as we learn more.
Please contact the Immunization Program at 705.522.9200, ext. 458 or toll-free at 1.866.522.9200 with any questions you may have.
Sincerely,
Original Signed By
Dr. Penny Sutcliffe
Medical Officer of Health and Chief Executive Officer
NOTE: All Advisory Alerts are found on our website.
This item was last modified on December 4, 2020