A group of pediatricians urged on Friday that families ensure every member of the household is vaccinated against the flu.

The Canadian Paediatric Society also said the advice was more urgent for families with young children, as the flu spreads quickly, alongside rising rates of COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus.

The organization said children under five years old with chronic health conditions are more likely to need hospitalization if they catch the flu.

Also, Dr. Kevin Chan, chair of the CPS acute care committee, said parents and caregivers should turn to their family doctor or local public health unit to find out where they can book vaccines appropriate for their ages, adding: "I would encourage families to get the flu vaccine as soon as possible."

Earlier this week, public health officials reported the start of the flu epidemic, with higher levels than in previous years. With COVID-19 in the mix, parents of young children might face a decision about which vaccines to prioritize, Chan acknowledged.

Federal data also showed that 7.3 percent of children aged four years and under have received one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and only 2.4 percent of children in that age group have completed their primary series.

While adults and children aged five years or older can receive the COVID-19 vaccine and flu vaccines at the same time, the National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommends that for children aged six months to five years, the COVID-19 vaccine be separated from other vaccines by two weeks. This recommendation is "out of an abundance of caution to track side effects more easily," according to Hamilton Health Sciences’ website.

Chan said in these cases, at this time, the flu vaccine should be the priority.

In the same context, Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer, said at a press conference on Friday that increased virus transmission in the child age group can spread to the elderly and those most at risk.

In addition, the Canadian Paediatric Society and the National Advisory Committee recommend that all children aged six months and older receive the annual flu vaccine.