The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends that the seasonal flu virus vaccine be given immediately.
Several weeks aga, authorities decided to delay the seasonal flu virus vaccination and proceed with immunization against the influenza A virus (H1N1) instead. It was feared that the vaccination against the seasonal flu virus would increase the risk of contracting the swine influenza virus. This decision was based on results not previously disclosed.
According to the NACI, although the results are accurate, the risk of developing H1N1 is greater if a person is not vaccinated.
They believe that the vaccination for the seasonal flu virus be given either before, after or at the same time as the vaccination for influenza A virus (H1N1). They therefore urged the provinces to begin immunizations for the annual vaccine now rather than starting in 2010.
Nova Scotia originally delayed the vaccination for the seasonal flu virus but now offer the two vaccines to persons who ask for it.