Another respiratory illness season is fast approaching, but the biggest threat to public health might not even be the viruses themselves. The real danger to public safety might be a 30-second social media video, say B.C. health officials.
“Get your information from a reputable source; social media is not a scientific source of health information,” deputy provincial health officer Dr. Martin Lavoie said in a press conference in Victoria on Wednesday (Oct. 22).
Health Minister Josie Osborne said much of the misinformation influencing Canadians’ opinions isn’t even from Canada. She said much of the anti-vaccine messaging Canadians are being exposed to is coming from outside our borders, “particularly the United States.”
With vaccine hesitancy on the rise, Lavoie and Osborne both said it’s becoming increasingly important to ensure the public has accurate information on the safety and effectiveness of vaccines.
“We are only in the beginning of the virus season,” Dr. Lavoie said, stressing the importance of preventative measures like vaccination and personal hygiene, as well as infection control measures like staying home or wearing a mask.
The Ministry of Health said over two million British Columbians received invitations to book their vaccination through BC Get Vaccinated, the provincial booking system launched in 2021.
Although skepticism around vaccination as a whole has been on the rise, health officials said, British Columbians seem to be taking the flu season seriously.
Between Oct. 14 and 19, just under 275,000 British Columbians had received their flu shots for the year — an increase from last year’s first week of vaccinations.
“Getting a vaccine is an act of care and an act of community,” Osborne said. She explained that getting vaccinated is “the simplest and most effective way” individuals can contribute to public health.
While health officials look to strengthen their public messaging on the importance of vaccines, they’re also encouraging anyone with concerns or anxieties about vaccines to speak with their health-care professionals.
Officials said vaccination isn’t just about protecting ourselves, but also about reducing the risk of transmitting illness to vulnerable populations like children, seniors and pregnant women.
Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines have been available free of cost to British Columbians since 2021. Appointments can be booked online through BC Get Vaccinated or by phone at 1-833-838-2323.