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Seasonal Influenza Immunization

What is seasonal influenza? Learn more about symptoms, diagnosis, prevention and how it differs from H1N1.

Who Should Get the Seasonal Influenza Vaccine

Interactions

Seasonal Influenza and H1N1

Safety and Effectiveness

Pregnancy, Breastfeeding and Children

Who Should Get the Seasonal Influenza Vaccine  

Who should get the seasonal influenza vaccine?

Individuals who are considered high-risk are strongly encouraged to receive the seasonal influenza vaccine.

Seasonal influenza vaccine is strongly recommended for:

  • All adults 50 years and older
  • Less than 65 years with a chronic health condition
  • Healthy children 6 to 59 months (6 months to 5 years) 
  • Children 6 months to 18 years with chronic conditions treated with long term ASA
  • Health Care workers/ Health Care Students
  • Pregnant and lactating women
  • Long term care residents and staff
  • Household contacts of those at high risk
  • Anyone providing regular child care to children less than 2 years of age
  • Anyone living in a chronically disadvantaged situation (homeless)  

Health care worker is defined as:

  • All employees of health care facilities
  • Individuals who work in community care settings where health care is provided and will be working within 1 meter of a high risk person on a regular basis

Why should I get an influenza immunization if I am healthy?

Influenza immunization is one of the best ways to prevent influenza and the illness it can cause. Even healthy people not at risk of medical complications should get the vaccine as influenza can be severe and make you very sick.

In addition to the usual five to ten days of serious illness, it can take weeks to fully recover, interrupting work, recreation and family activities.

Protecting yourself benefits those around you who may be at risk of severe complications from influenza. As more people are protected through immunization, the influenza virus has less chance to multiply and circulate.

Why do I need influenza immunization every year?

Influenza viruses change from year to year. A vaccine is needed every year to provide the best protection. Each year, the World Health Organization chooses the three strains of the influenza virus most likely cause influenza disease. Vaccine is then developed to protect against these strains of the influenza virus.

Who should NOT have the vaccine?

Babies less than 6 months of age should NOT receive an influenza vaccination.

Interactions

If I am unwell (with transient illness) should I still have the seasonal influenza vaccine?

  • Yes, if mildly ill.
  • If you are sick now with something more serious than a cold talk to a public health nurse or doctor before getting the vaccine.

Mild illness - A mild acute illness (such as a simple sore throat or runny nose) without a fever (temperature less than 38C).

If an individual or child has minor symptoms but is doing regular levels of activity, eating normally (and in the case of children behaving normally) than immunization can be given.

Moderate or severe illness (with or without a fever)

If an individual or child has moderate to severe symptoms of illness, immunization of most vaccines including influenza should be postponed.

Individuals with Influenza-like illness: are being told to stay home and are encouraged NOT to attend mass vaccination clinics while they are ill.

People who are ill can spread illness by being in contact with large numbers of people at the clinics. People with illness may be turned away from the clinics.

Can the influenza vaccine be given if I am on medication?

Yes, the vaccine can be given with other medications safely.

Can the influenza vaccine and other vaccines can be given at the same time?

Yes, influenza vaccine can be given at the same time as other vaccines. Pneumococcal vaccine or routine childhood vaccines are often given at the same time as influenza vaccine.

Should I get the influenza immunization if I have allergies?

You should NOT get the vaccine if you have:

  • a severe allergic reaction to eggs (see egg content)
  • had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to this vaccine in the past

Talk to a public health nurse or doctor before getting this vaccine, if you:

  • have severe allergies to any part of the vaccine 
  • are severely allergic to any foods, drugs, bee stings, etc.

What if I'm allergic to latex?

There is no latex in the seasonal influenza vaccine packaging or in the syringe.

If I am currently taking an antiviral medication, is it safe to have the seasonal influenza vaccine?

Yes, it is safe to have the vaccine while taking an antiviral medication. There is no contraindication to seasonal influenza vaccine in those taking antiviral medications.

If I receive the influenza vaccine can I still donate blood? Or, after donating blood how long should I want before receiving the influenza vaccination?

The Canadian Blood Services policy is to wait 48 hours (2 days) after vaccination before allowing you to donating blood.

If you have donated blood, there is no waiting period required before receiving the influenza vaccination.

If I am scheduled for surgery, can I still get the influenza shot?

If you are scheduled for surgery you should contact your surgeon before receiving your influenza shot. Although it is usually safe to receive influenza vaccine, please check with your surgeon before being vaccinated for influenza to avoid the risk of cancellation of the surgery.

Seasonal Influenza and H1N1

What is the difference between Seasonal Influenza and Pandemic H1N1 influenza vaccines?

The seasonal influenza vaccine is an annual vaccine that targets the three most significant and serious strains of the influenza virus that are predicted to be circulating in Canada during the winter months.

Pandemic H1N1 influenza virus is a new strain of influenza A that is currently circulating around the world. The majority of people around the world will not have any protection against this new virus, even if they have had an influenza vaccine in the past.

Why do I need to have the H1N1 vaccine if I received the seasonal influenza vaccine which contains an H1N1 strain?

The seasonal influenza vaccine does contain a H1N1 strain but it is different from Pandemic H1N1. Pandemic H1N1 influenza virus is a new strain of influenza A.

The H1N1 vaccine will provide protection against the Pandemic H1N1 strain.

People have not have been exposed to this Pandemic H1N1 before this year and will not have immunity against it.

Is H1N1 vaccine available?

On Monday, October 26 we began vaccinating Albertans with the approved H1N1 vaccine on at the current mass vaccination clinics.

Seasonal influenza vaccine is still currently available.

Some locations will have both the the Seasonal Influenza and H1N1 vaccine available (please refer to the search tool).

Can the H1N1 flu vaccine be administered at the same time as the seasonal flu shot and/or other vaccines?

The H1N1 flu vaccine can be administered along with seasonal influenza immunization and other vaccines.

People who have recently had influenza vaccination can go at any point for H1N1.

Seasonal and H1N1 flu shots should be given in opposite arms. If an individual receives seasonal flu, H1N1 flu and pneumococcal vaccine in the same day, the seasonal flu shot and the pneumococcal vaccine should be given in one arm, and H1N1 flu vaccine in the other.

For more questions and answers specific to H1N1 refer to the H1N1 (Pandemic) 2009 FAQs.

If I receive the Seasonal Influenza vaccine am I more susceptible to getting H1N1?

It has been reported that a Canadian study suggests a potential association between prior seasonal influenza immunization and the risk of acquiring Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 disease.

  • It has not been associated with the risk of severe disease, hospitalization or death.
  • The report is preliminary and has not been published or peer reviewed.
  • The association has not been seen in other countries carrying out similar studies. 
  • The decision to defer immunization with seasonal influenza vaccine should NOT be based on this study.

Safety and Effectiveness

Is the influenza vaccine safe? Can I get influenza disease from the vaccine?

  • The influenza vaccine is safe. 
  • You cannot get influenza disease from the vaccine.

Influenza vaccine cannot cause influenza because it is made from killed viruses. Other viruses can cause similar symptoms to influenza and the illnesses they cause are often mistaken for influenza.

In Canada, vaccines undergo rigorous testing and licensing procedures with the federal government. Every lot is tested for safety and quality. Side effects are continuously monitored.

Talk to a public health nurse or doctor before getting this vaccine, if you:

  • are sick now with something more serious than a cold.

How effective is the vaccine?

Protection begins about two weeks after you get vaccinated and lasts less than a year.

Influenza immunization has been shown to prevent illness in approximately 70–90 per cent of healthy children and adults. Some people who are immunized might still get influenza, but they usually have milder symptoms and are less likely to have serious medical complications from the disease. Some people may get ill from a strain of influenza that was not covered by the vaccine.

What is in the Influenza vaccine this year?

The 2009-10 influenza vaccines protect against the following viral strains of influenza:

  • A/Brisbane/59/2007 (H1N1)-like
  • A/Brisbane/10/2007 (H3N2)-like (A/Uruguay/7/16/2007 NYMC X-175C (H3N2) is equivalent)
  • B/Brisbane/60/2008 (Victoria lineage)-like

For further information about all ingredients of the seasonal influenza vaccine please refer to a pharmacist or public health nurse at the influenza immunization clinics.

Additional info:

Influenza vaccine it is made from killed viruses and therefore cannot cause influenza. Other viruses can cause similar symptoms to influenza and the illnesses they cause are often mistaken for influenza.

What are possible side effects of this vaccine?

You cannot get influenza from the influenza vaccine as it is made from a killed virus. Protection begins about two weeks after you get vaccinated.

Most people have no reaction to the influenza vaccine but as with any vaccination, unexpected or unusual side effects can occur, including severe allergic reactions.

Reactions that do occur are usually mild and over within 48 hours. For a day or two, you may have:

  • Mild pain and/or swelling where the injection was given;
  • Feel unwell and/or fatigued;
  • Mild fever, chills, headache, muscle aches and pains;

This is usually mild and goes away within 24 hours. As with any immunization, unexpected or unusual side effects can occur. Severe reactions are very rare.

You should NOT get the vaccine if you:

  • Have a severe allergic reaction to eggs;
  • Have had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to this vaccine in the past.

Talk to a public health nurse or doctor before getting this vaccine, if you:

  • Are sick now with something more serious than a cold;
  • Have severe allergies to any part of the vaccine; Are severely allergic to any foods, drugs, bee stings, etc.
  • Have had red eyes, runny noses and shortness of breath after receiving seasonal influenza vaccine.

What should you do if you have a reaction to the vaccine?

  • For pain or swelling where the injection was given, place a cool damp towel on the area.
  • For pain or fever, take acetaminophen (also called Tylenol®) as directed on the container. Adults can also use other pain killers of their choice.

Note: Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) or Aspirin® is not recommended for persons under 18 years of age because of the increased risk of Reye's syndrome.

What is Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS)?

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) has been observed in a minority of influenza seasons over the last twenty years. In an extensive review of GBS cases, the Immunization Safety Review Committee concluded that the evidence is inadequate to accept or reject a causal relationship between GBS in adults and influenza vaccines administered after 1976. The risk is small compared to the death rate associated with influenza infection.

It is advised to avoid influenza and H1N1 immunization in persons who have developed GBS within 8 weeks following a previous dose of influenza vaccine.

If the person developed Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) but the illness was unrelated to influenza vaccine, then immunization with H1N1 or influenza vaccine will be considered. The person should discuss this with immunizing nurse.

  • Symptoms usually begin in both legs, then progress upward to the arms.
  • Symptoms include persistent weakness and an ongoing pins-and-needles sensation or loss of sensation. Weakness is more prominent than abnormal sensation. 
  • Reflexes are decreased or absent. 
  • In 90% of people who have Guillain-Barré syndrome, weakness is most severe within 3 weeks. 
  • New onset of walking difficulty usually occurs. 
  • In some individuals, the facial and swallowing muscles become weak. 
  • In 5 to 10%, the muscles that control breathing become so weak that a ventilator is needed.

Pregnancy, Breastfeeding and Children

Can I get an influenza immunization if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?

Yes, you can get an influenza immunization if pregnant. Influenza vaccine is safe and recommended for all women who are pregnant.

Studies to date have not shown any harm to the mother or the unborn baby from influenza immunization during pregnancy. Large studies have shown that thimerosal containing vaccines given to children and pregnant women are not related to neuro-developmental outcomes such as autistic-spectrum disorders.

The supply of Vaxigrip (thimerosal reduced influenza vaccine) is limited.

Pregnancy is known to increase the risk of complications from influenza. Breastfeeding mothers, if they get immunized, will also protect their newborn, who cannot receive this vaccine until six months of age.

Should my children get the seasonal vaccine and how many doses do they require? 

Children 0-6 months

  • Too young to receive vaccine.

Children from 6 months to under 9 years of age 

  • Two shots of seasonal influenza vaccine administered a minimum of 28 days apart.
  • Children over 6 months of age to under the age of 9 who are receiving the influenza vaccination for the first time require two shots of vaccine:
    • If they have received one or no doses in the previous influenza season;
    • AND they have never received two doses within a single season.

If the first dose was given at 8 years and 11 months, a second dose is still required.

    • SECOND DOSES are given a minimum of 28 days apart. At the soonest, the second dose should be given on the same day of the week, 4 weeks from the first dose.

Appointments for second dose of seasonal influenza

Combining influenza vaccine with routine child immunization

  • Calgary: first shots and second shots of seasonal influenza are being given with routine immunization
  • Edmonton: Drop in only at public health centres.
  • Other Zones: Contact local public/community health centre.
  • Zones may chose to accommodate household contacts or others requesting vaccine based on resources.
  • Clinics may elect to immunize household contacts at the same time (based on availability). For further information contact your public/community health centre.

Children 10 years of age and older

  • One shot of seasonal influenza vaccine
    Children 10 years and older should receive one shot of the seasonal influenza vaccine.

  2nd Dose of H1N1 Vaccine  2nd Dose of Seasonal Influenza Vaccine
South Drop in at one of the mass immunization clinics. Drop in at one of  the mass immunization clinics.  
Calgary Drop in at one of  the mass immunization clinics. Appointments are being scheduled for the 2nd dose of seasonal influenza vaccine within the community health centres.

Seasonal influenza vaccine may also be available through your physician. Please contact their office.

Beginning Mon, Nov 30 - Drop in at one of  the mass immunization clinics.
Central Drop in at one of  the mass immunization clinics. Contact local public health centre for info, or

Beginning Mon, Nov 30 - drop in at one of  the mass immunization clinics.
Edmonton Drop in at one of  the mass immunization clinics. Contact local public health centre for info, or

Beginning Mon, Nov 30 - drop in at one of  the mass immunization clinics.
North Drop in at one of  the mass immunization clinics. Drop in at one of  the mass immunization clinics.
Notes A minimum of 21 days
between the first and second doses is required.

If the interval between the two doses is longer (e.g. 26 days between doses), it will not decrease the effectiveness of the vaccine.

Bring a copy of the previous immunization record to the clinics to verify when the first dose was given. 		A minimum of 28 days (4 weeks) between the first and second doses is required.

Bring the copy of the previous immunization record to the clinics to verify when the first dose was given.

Why do children younger than nine years of age need two doses of seasonal influenza vaccine?

Two doses are needed to sensitize children's immune system so they will have better immunity when exposed to the influenza virus. A child who receives one dose will receive only partial protection.

I'm concerned about the egg content in vaccine. Is there any risk for children under one year?

The amount of egg in the vaccine is miniscule and very unlikely to cause allergic reactions in children less than one year of age. The risk of the influenza illness is far greater than the risk of a reaction. Children who have not yet eaten eggs can still be vaccinated.

Can the thimerosal in vaccine causes autism?

Influenza vaccine is safe and well tolerated in healthy children and pregnant women. The vaccine contains minute quantities of thimerosal, which is used as a preservative to prevent bacterial growth in the vaccine.

Large studies have shown that thimerosal containing vaccines given to children and pregnant women are not related to neuro-developmental outcomes such as autistic-spectrum disorders.

The supply of Vaxigrip (thimerosal reduced influenza vaccine) is limited.