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The seasonal influenza vaccine protects against viruses that cause influenza, often called the flu. The vaccine does not protect against other viruses or bacteria that cause colds or stomach illness, such as ‘stomach flu’. The vaccine is approved by Health Canada.
In BC, the seasonal influenza vaccine is available every fall. The seasonal influenza vaccine does not provide protection against the pandemic H1N1 (pH1N1) influenza virus. A separate vaccine for pH1N1 influenza is available. It is possible for people to get these vaccines at the same time, if both are recommended for them.
For more information on the pH1N1 influenza, see HealthLink
BC file#108a: Pandemic H1N1(pH1N1) Influenza Virus. To learn more about
the pH1N1 vaccine, see HealthLink BC file#108b: Pandemic
H1N1(pH1N1) Influenza Vaccine.
Some Canadian studies suggest a possible link between receiving the seasonal influenza vaccine and being at an increased risk of contracting pandemic H1N1, especially among young people. This research has shown that people who received the seasonal vaccine were up to twice as likely to contract pandemic H1N1 illness. While this possible link is being further studied it is recommended that the 2009/10 seasonal influenza vaccine be given at the same time as the pH1N1 vaccine for those eligible to receive both vaccines. Those who do not wish to receive the vaccines at the same visit should receive the pH1N1 vaccine first because more pandemic virus is circulating in BC than seasonal influenza virus. If the two vaccines are not given at the same time, the second may be given any time later.
In BC, the regular seasonal influenza vaccine is provided free to the following groups of people.
People at high risk of serious illness from influenza:
People able to transmit or spread influenza to those at high risk of serious illness from influenza, including:
Others:
To find out if you're eligible, consult your regular health care provider or call 811.
The seasonal vaccine is given as one dose or shot. Children under 9 years of age who have never had an influenza vaccine need two doses. This is very important to make sure the vaccine protects them.
The seasonal vaccine is available but not provided free for healthy people 2 to 64 years of age. Anyone not eligible for a free influenza vaccine can purchase it at some public health units, doctors’ offices and clinics. Some employers also provide free vaccine to employees.
Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect against influenza infection, a serious and sometimes fatal disease. When you get vaccinated, you help protect others as well.
The seasonal influenza vaccine is safe. Common reactions to the vaccine may include soreness, redness and swelling where the shot was given. In some people, symptoms can include mild fever, headache and aching muscles starting 6 to 12 hours after getting the vaccine and lasting about 1 to 2 days. Influenza vaccine can not cause the flu because it does not contain a live virus.
| Acetaminophen or Tylenol® can be given for fever or soreness. ASA or Aspirin® should NOT be given to anyone under 20 years of age due to the risk of Reye Syndrome. |
It is important to stay in the clinic for 15 minutes after getting any vaccine because there is a rare possibility of a life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. This may include hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the throat, tongue, or lips. If this happens after leaving the clinic, call 911 or the local emergency number. This reaction can be treated and occurs in less than 1 in a million people who get the vaccine.
Report serious or unexpected reactions to your public health nurse or doctor
Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), a form of paralysis, is usually temporary and can occur after some common infections. GBS may be associated with influenza vaccine in about 1 per million recipients.
During the 2000 influenza season, some people who got the influenza vaccine had a reaction called oculo-respiratory syndrome (ORS). ORS involved eye redness, and in some people, a cough, sore throat or breathing symptoms. Most people who had ORS can be safely vaccinated again, and there have been few reports since 2000. However, people who had severe reactions should talk to a doctor or public health nurse before getting another influenza or flu shot.
Speak with a public health nurse or doctor if you:
Children less than 6 months of age should not get the influenza vaccine because it is not known to be effective at this age.
Influenza, often called the flu, is an infection of the nose, throat and lungs caused by the influenza virus. A person with influenza is at risk of other infections, including viral or bacterial pneumonia (infection of the lungs).
Influenza spreads easily from person to person through coughing, sneezing, or having close face-to-face contact. The virus can also be spread when a person touches an object contaminated with the influenza virus and then touches his or her own mouth or nose.
Effort is made to seek parental or guardian consent prior to immunization. Children under the age of 19 who are able to understand the risks and benefits may consent to or refuse immunizations, regardless of the parent's or guardian's wishes. It is recommended that parents/guardians and their minor children discuss immunizations beforehand, and ask the nurse or doctor any questions.
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For more HealthLink BC File topics, visit www.HealthLinkBC.ca/healthfiles/index.stm or your local public health unit. Click on www.HealthLinkBC.ca or call 8-1-1 for non-emergency health information and services in B.C. For deaf and hearing-impaired assistance, call 7-1-1 in B.C. Translation services are available in more than 130 languages on request. |
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