MEMO: Planning for the Upcoming Influenza Season & Resumption of Fridge Inspections

TO:  Health care professionals in the Niagara region

FROM: Vaccine Preventable Disease program (VPD)

REFERENCE: Planning for the Upcoming Influenza Season & Resumption of Fridge Inspections

DATE:  July 2020

There is a strong need to plan for the likelihood that this fall will bring with it some level of influenza as well as potentially an increase in cases of COVID-19. At this time, Public Health in Niagara is planning for potential COVID-19 mass immunization needs, but does not plan to hold influenza vaccination clinics. These clinics already had been significantly decreased in recent years, given the widespread capacity in pharmacies and primary care.

COVID-19 and Seasonal Influenza

• Between October 2019 and April 2020, Niagara had 1102 influenza cases and 6 influenza outbreaks. 
  • However, we know that most people infected with influenza do not get laboratory testing and so actual infection numbers are likely much higher. 
• The National Advisory Committee on Immunizations (NACI) states that the influenza vaccine will be an important component of managing health care system capacity during the next influenza season.
• Actions to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 such as physical distancing, hand washing and face coverings may also help prevent influenza

Please Keep Influenza at the Forefront of Your Planning

• With the majority of Public Health staff still redeployed to address the COVID-19 pandemic, Public Health’s vaccination clinics are currently cancelled
• We ask that your office plan to prioritize administering the influenza vaccine to all patients 6 months of age and older when it becomes available this fall
• As you plan to provide influenza vaccination services, we acknowledge that your service provision may be different this year compared to previous years and that there may be added pressures in terms of:
  • Logistics
  • Screening
  • Use and availability of personal protective equipment
• Refer to the Canadian Immunization Guide Chapter on Influenza and Statement on Seasonal Influenza Vaccine for 2020-2021 to assist with your planning
• More information on influenza vaccine products and release dates should follow in the coming months  
• Should our plans change based on evolving information, we will update you

We continue to provide up-to-date recommendations on providing care during COVID-19. Please check our list of frequently asked questions regularly.

Resumption of Fridge Inspections  

Public Health’s cold chain nurses are resuming annual vaccine fridge inspections. The nurses will adhere to public health measures to prevent COVID-19 (maintain physical distancing during inspections, practice hand hygiene, limit time in the office, etc.). At the time of scheduling, please speak to the nurse about specific protocols your office may have, such as wearing a face covering, so the nurse is aware prior to inspection.

If you have any publicly funded vaccine wastage that you would like returned, please mention this to the nurse at the time of booking your inspection. Have the returns ready for the nurse prior to inspection. In advance of your inspection, you will need to:

• Complete the appropriate boxes on the Vaccine Inventory and Return Form
• Place vaccines for return, in an empty bag
• Attach the completed form to the bag (or place inside) and close securely
• Write "Vaccine Return" and the facility’s name on the outside of the bag

More Information

Visit Niagara's Health Care Professionals website or call the Vaccine Preventable Disease program at 905-688-8248 or 1-888-505-6074 ext. 7396.