Keep children protected from respiratory illnesses this winter

As the weather gets colder and people spend more time indoors, illnesses such as colds, flu and COVID-19 can spread more easily in enclosed spaces. To protect themselves and limit the spread of respiratory illnesses, people are advised to get vaccinated against flu and COVID-19; wash their hands often with soap and water, using alcohol-based sanitizer when soap and water are unavailable; and cough or sneeze into an elbow. Anyone with flu-like symptoms should stay home and away from people at higher risk of serious illness. If someone is sick and cannot keep away from others, they should wear a mask. More information about masks is available at http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/prevention-risks/masks.

Vaccination prepares the immune system to recognize and respond to viruses. Immunized children are less likely to become ill or pass illness to others. When children stay healthy, they can focus more easily on learning, playing and activities they enjoy, while their parents and caregivers face fewer disruptions to personal and work routines. Families can register children with the Get Vaccinated system at https://www.getvaccinated.gov.bc.ca/s/ to receive reminders when flu or COVID-19 vaccinations are due. Seasonal respiratory vaccinations are available at pharmacies, public health units and some primary care providers.

Vaccinating children on schedule is one of the best ways to protect their health. Routine vaccines are offered in kindergarten, Grade 6 and Grade 9, with catch-up opportunities in other grades, to support young people’s long-term health and well-being. Protection lasts a long time for most vaccines, with whooping cough as an exception. The whooping cough vaccine, one of the immunizations given in infancy, can wear off and needs to be given again around kindergarten and Grade 9. All routine school-age immunizations are free in British Columbia. If a child is not up to date, families can make an appointment with a public health unit, family doctor, nurse practitioner or pharmacy.

If a child’s record shows that vaccinations are not current, but the child received vaccines from a health care provider outside public health, contact that provider and request a copy of the immunization record. Submit the record to Public Health online at http://www.fraserhealth.ca/immunizationform. More information about school-age immunizations, including how to access a child’s records, is available on Fraser Health Authority’s Children and youth immunizations page: https://www.fraserhealth.ca/health-topics-a-to-z/immunizations/children-and-youth-immunization. Information about immunizations for infants and toddlers is available at https://www.fraserhealth.ca/health-topics-a-to-z/immunizations/infants-and-toddlers-immunizations.