MGen Marc Bilodeau
Stag Special

COVID-19 still presents a risk of increased pressure on our health systems.
We recently experienced a new wave of COVID in Canada as a result of the Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 variants, and this means we are still at risk of becoming sick, especially with the onset of fall and the return of indoor activities.
The main reason for getting a COVID-19 booster is most of us received our last dose in early 2022, more than six months ago. Receiving a booster, even if you have previously recovered from a COVID-19 infection, re-establishes strong protection against future infections, community transmission, and serious illness.
This additional protection will also help us maintain our operational efficiency both domestically and abroad.
The flu shot is also important! In addition to COVID-19, which will continue circulating this fall and winter, the viruses which cause the flu and other respiratory illnesses will also be circulating.
It is even expected this year’s flu season will be more severe than before the pandemic due to a relative reduction in our immunity to this virus. Following the recent easing of public health measures, I strongly recommend all individuals who have no contraindications receive the flu shot. This step will also help us maintain our operational capacity.
Receiving the flu and the COVID-19 vaccines at the same time protects against illnesses as effectively as when the vaccines are administered several days or weeks apart. There have been no reports of specific issues following the administration of these vaccines during the same vaccination appointment.
Is the “bivalent” COVID-19 booster more effective than the original booster?
New COVID vaccines are now available to better protect us against a number of variants of the virus, the original variant and the Omicron variants — hence the term “bivalent.”
Bivalent vaccines provide a stronger, more targeted immune response against the COVID-19 variants that are currently circulating than the original COVID-19 vaccines.
However, the original mRNA COVID-19 vaccines continue to provide effective protection as a booster against serious consequences of COVID, such as hospitalization and death. Although the new bivalent vaccines are preferred for booster doses in Canada this fall season, original vaccines remain a valid and effective booster dose option to protect yourself and your community.
When and where can members of the CAF receive the flu shot and the COVID booster?
Regular Force members can attend a flu shot and COVID-19 booster vaccination clinic through the Canadian Armed Forces Medical Centres — that would be the 11 Health Centre at CFB Shilo.
Class A and Class B reservists under a short-term contract, as well as their families, can obtain the flu shot and the booster through their provincial healthcare system.
I encourage you to continue your efforts to reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses. Enjoy the fall, and above all, be vigilant!
MGen Marc Bilodeau/CAF Surgeon General