Influenza Immunization/Vaccine FAQs

Why is immunization important?

Immunization is the single most effective means of preventing influenza infection and illness. It’s important for all Albertans (six months of age and older) to get immunized against influenza, every year, to reduce transmission of illness.

Who is eligible for influenza immunization in Alberta?

All Albertans over 6 months of age are eligible to receive the influenza vaccine, free of charge. (All individuals who live, work, or go to school in Alberta).

Is influenza immunization free?

Yes. Alberta offers the influenza vaccine to all Albertans (6 months of age and older), free of charge.

I was immunized last year. Do I need to be immunized again this year?

Yes. Influenza viruses change from year to year, and when influenza viruses change, so do influenza vaccines. Each year, the World Health Organization identifies the strains of influenza expected to circulate that year, and the influenza vaccine is then developed to protect against these strains. Furthermore, the immunity you get from your shot fades overtime, meaning that you need to get immunized every year to be protected all over again, even if you've been immunized against the same strain(s) previously. It’s as simple as that: to protect yourself against influenza, you need to be immunized against influenza each year. Make it part of your fall routine!

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

Seasonal influenza immunization is one of the best ways to prevent influenza disease and the illness it can cause. Even healthy people not at risk of severe complications from influenza 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 also 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.

I don’t normally get influenza so do I really need to be immunized?

Yes. Everyone can benefit from getting a seasonal influenza immunization each year. Getting the vaccine improves your chances of having an influenza free season and also avoids transmitting to virus to those at high risk.

Is the vaccine safe?

Yes. In Canada, all vaccines must go through a rigorous testing process, and meet stringent safety standards, before receiving approval from Health Canada.

Can I get influenza from the influenza vaccine?

You cannot contract influenza from the influenza vaccine.

The influenza vaccine does not contain live viruses. Because the vaccine does not contain live viruses, it cannot cause influenza.

Is it safe for pregnant women to be immunized against influenza?

Yes.

Is it safe for me to get immunized against influenza if I am breastfeeding?

Yes.

Who should NOT have the influenza vaccine?

Influenza vaccine should not be given to people who:

Have a history of severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to influenza vaccine or any of its components
Have had an unusually severe reaction to influenza vaccine in the past
Are younger than six months of age. The seasonal influenza vaccine is not licensed for this group

Individuals with an egg allergy should talk to a public health nurse or their doctor before receiving vaccine.

What if I'm allergic to latex?

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

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

Yes. The vaccine can safely be given when you are taking most medications. Consult your healthcare provider if you are unsure if you are able to receive the seasonal influenza vaccine while on medication.

Can the influenza vaccine and other vaccines 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 seasonal influenza vaccine.

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.

If I receive the seasonal influenza vaccine can I still donate blood?

The Canadian Blood Services policy is to wait 48 hours (2 days) following influenza immunization before donating blood. If you have donated blood, there is no waiting period required before receiving the influenza immunization.

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

Although it is safe to receive influenza vaccine prior to surgery, please check with you surgeon before being immunized for influenza to avoid the risk of cancellation of the surgery. Should you experience a side effect (fever) from the influenza vaccine your surgery has the potential for being cancelled.

How soon after I receive my influenza vaccine will I be immune?

It takes about two weeks after immunization to develop protection against influenza. Protection may last up to one year. The vaccine will not protect against colds and other respiratory illnesses that may be mistaken for influenza but are not caused by the influenza virus.

How effective is the influenza vaccine?

When there is a good match between the influenza stains in the vaccine and the strains circulating in the community, the vaccine has been shown to prevent influenza illness in about 70% to 90% of healthy adults and children. Research has shown that influenza vaccine reduced the incidence of severe illnesses and complications such as pneumonia and hospital admission by up to 60% and deaths by 80%. Physician visits, hospitalization and death in persons at high-risk of influenza complications are also reduced.

What are the possible side effects of the seasonal influenza vaccine?

Most people have no reaction to the seasonal influenza vaccine. Reactions that do occur are typically mild. They usually occur within 6 to 12 hours after the immunization and commonly disappear within 24 to 48 hours. Possible reactions include:

Redness, mild pain and/or swelling where the needle was given;
Irritability and/or tiredness
Headache, muscle aches and pains
Fever and chills

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

If you arm is sore where the needle was given:

Apply an ice pack or a cool moist cloth to the area.
Take a medication such as acetaminophen as directed on the container. Adults can also use other pain medication of their choice. Aspirin (ASA) is not recommended for children.

If you develop a fever or chills:

Drink extra fluids (water, fruit juice)
Take a medication such as acetaminophen as directed on the container.

If you have a headache and/or muscle pain:

Take a medication such as acetaminophen 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.

If you have a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) including hives, swelling of the face, lips or throat, wheezing and/or shock (fall in blood pressure) tell someone immediately and seek immediate health care.

If you have any questions about the immunization you received, or have any unusual symptoms after the immunization, call HEALTHLink Alberta at: