Public-health officials are encouraging families and caregivers to get their kids vaccinated against influenza in advance of the holidays.

There are several respiratory viruses causing illness in B.C. Some children have had more severe illness in the past few weeks, particularly from influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

Many children have not been exposed to influenza and other respiratory illnesses following two years of low influenza rates due to COVID-19 public-health prevention measures implemented worldwide, including Canada and B.C. This is why it’s especially important for children to get vaccinated against influenza now.

Children, especially those under the age of five, anyone with underlying medical conditions such as asthma or heart disease, pregnant people and people over the age of 65 are most vulnerable to severe illness or complications from influenza, such as pneumonia and respiratory failure.