By: Ebenezer Adugyamfi | Emmanuel Ayiku, Reporting for GhanaianNewsCanada
October 17, 2026
Canada is experiencing an earlier and stronger start to the influenza season, with new surveillance figures showing an increase in positive flu tests and reports of older residents struggling to secure vaccination appointments in parts of the country.
The development is putting renewed attention on provincial vaccination programmes as health authorities prepare for the colder months, when respiratory illnesses typically become more widespread.
According to figures from Canada’s national FluWatch+ surveillance programme, the percentage of influenza tests returning positive results rose to 5.3 per cent for the week ending October 10, up from 4.7 per cent the previous week. If the rate remains above the five-per-cent threshold, the national surveillance programme will declare the start of the influenza season.
British Columbia has reported particularly high activity, with its influenza test positivity rate reaching 14.9 per cent during the period covered by the latest figures.
The increase has raised concerns about the pressure seasonal respiratory illnesses could place on households, workplaces and healthcare services as winter approaches.
Seniors report difficulties obtaining flu shots
While vaccination programmes are being rolled out across Canada, some older residents in Ontario have reportedly encountered difficulties securing appointments.
Reports from people attempting to arrange vaccinations for relatives in their 80s and 90s describe limited appointment availability in communities including Niagara, North Bay and London. Some appointments were reportedly unavailable until October 28 or November 1.
Healthcare professionals have also raised concerns about vaccine supply and access.
Michelle Cohen, a family physician in Brighton, Ontario, said her practice received its influenza vaccine delivery later than usual this year. The delivery also contained fewer doses, including fewer high-dose vaccines intended for older adults.
Ontario’s Ministry of Health said 679,000 doses had been distributed as of October 8, with priority given to hospitals, long-term care homes and other settings serving people at higher risk.
The reported difficulties highlight the importance of ensuring that people who are particularly vulnerable to complications from influenza can access vaccination without unnecessary delays.
Provinces take different approaches to vaccine access
Although provinces are preparing for the same seasonal health challenge, their policies on eligibility, funding and access differ.
In Ontario, the vaccination rollout began with higher-risk groups, including adults aged 65 and older, hospital patients and staff, and residents and staff of long-term care and retirement homes. The wider public is scheduled to gain access to free flu and COVID-19 vaccinations from October 26 through participating pharmacies, public health units and healthcare providers.
British Columbia began notifying priority groups about appointments in early October, with appointments starting from October 13 and notifications expected to expand to the general population through early November. The province says influenza vaccines are free for residents aged six months and older.
British Columbia has secured nearly two million doses of the 2026–2027 influenza vaccine, according to a provincial government announcement.
Quebec, however, has changed its approach to publicly funded influenza vaccination.
Beginning this season, free flu shots are limited to eligible higher-risk groups, including people aged 65 and older, pregnant women, residents of nursing homes and people with certain medical conditions. Residents who do not qualify for free vaccination may be charged approximately $30 to $40 for a flu shot at a pharmacy.
The change has attracted criticism from some health experts, who have questioned the decision to limit publicly funded access as influenza activity begins to increase.
These differences mean that the cost of vaccination and the process for obtaining a shot can depend on where a person lives and whether they meet the province’s eligibility criteria.
Health experts stress the importance of vaccination
Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness that can cause mild symptoms in some people but lead to serious complications, hospitalization or death in others.
According to Canada’s National Advisory Committee on Immunization, annual influenza vaccination should be offered to people aged six months and older who do not have a medical reason to avoid the vaccine.
Priority is particularly important for groups at increased risk of severe illness, including young children, older adults, pregnant people and individuals with certain chronic health conditions.
The main influenza subtype detected so far this season is influenza A(H1N1). Health experts have noted that the virus can cause severe illness not only among older people but also among younger adults, pregnant women and those with underlying medical conditions.
Preliminary assessments have suggested that this season’s vaccine is a moderately good match for the influenza strain circulating so far, although vaccine effectiveness can vary.
Vaccination does not guarantee that a person will avoid infection, but it remains an important measure for reducing the risk of influenza and its complications.
What Canadians should know
The start dates, booking systems and eligibility rules for influenza vaccinations vary across provinces and territories. Residents are therefore encouraged to consult their provincial or territorial health authority, local pharmacy or healthcare provider for current information on availability and eligibility.
People who are older, pregnant, immunocompromised or living with certain chronic conditions may have particular reasons to seek timely advice from a healthcare professional about vaccination.
Basic precautions, including regular handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when ill, can also help reduce the spread of respiratory infections.
As influenza activity increases, the ability of health authorities to maintain adequate vaccine supplies and provide timely appointments will be an important part of Canada’s preparations for the winter respiratory illness season.
