Various reasons explain the high level of occupancy of stretchers in the emergency room at Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, especially the resurgence of viral activity, respiratory diseases, including the flu.the spokesman of the establishment told us.

However, the first available data on the effectiveness of the flu vaccine administered since the fall are likely to partially explain the frequency of emergencies.

US data suggests very low efficacy [16 %] to protect against respiratory tract infectionsexplained Dr. Pierre-Marc Gervais, Senior Director-Pharmaceutical Services at the Quebec Association of Proprietary Pharmacists.

Earlier this week, MSSS confirmed an upward trend flu activity in Quebec. A final flu season, which is uncommon for this time of year, began in early April. The influenza A (H3N2) virus is spreading.

Experts estimate that the expected benefits of flu vaccination conducted during this period will be small considering the time it takes to develop immunity after vaccination.explained via email the spokesperson for MSSS, Marie-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 be considered high. In 2019-20, for example, the overall effectiveness of the vaccine in Canada against any type of flu that causes an outpatient visit is 58%.

1.5 million doses

According to data from MSSS, 1.5 million doses of influenza vaccine have been given since October 2021.

More than 500,000 doses are likely to be discarded again this year, due to 2 million ordered. In 2020-2021, just over 1,622,000 doses were administered and nearly 20% of doses were discarded.

The incidence of seasonal influenza vaccination for the 2021-2022 season is 77.7% among public and private CHSLD residents, 75.4% among RPA residents, 11.6% among pregnant women and 23% among healthcare workers, according to the latest ministry data.