Seasonal influenza vaccine – Common questions

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 severe influenza disease. Vaccine is then developed to protect against these strains of the influenza virus.

Yes it is safe. You cannot get influenza disease from the vaccine because it is made from killed viruses.

• 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.

Other viruses can cause similar symptoms to influenza and the illnesses they cause are often mistaken for influenza.

If you have had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to this vaccine in the past.

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

• During a routine influenza season, the best time to get immunized is from October to December each year, which provides protection before the influenza season generally starts. However, it is never too late to get immunized.
• The vaccine will be available until the end of the influenza season, which usually is April.

Vaccine protection develops by about two weeks after immunization 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.

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;
• Red eyes, runny noses and shortness of breath after receiving seasonal influenza vaccine. 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. Call Health Link Alberta or speak to your health care provider for more information.

• 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.

• Call Health Link Alberta or your local public health nurse if you have questions or if you or your child has an unusual reaction to the vaccine.
• Call 911 if you have a medical emergency.

• 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 from seasonal influenza, 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.

Young children need two doses the first time they receive the seasonal influenza vaccine to make sure the body produces enough antibodies to provide optimal protection against influenza disease.

• Yes, the seasonal influenza vaccine is safe and recommended for all women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Studies to date have not shown any harm to the mother or the unborn baby from the seasonal influenza vaccine during pregnancy.
• 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.

No. As of September 2009, the seasonal influenza vaccine is available free of charge to all Albertans six months of age and older.

• Yes, the seasonal 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.

• What is influenza?
• Read more at Alberta Health Services

Call Health Link Alberta

• In Edmonton, 780-408-5465
• In Calgary, 403-943-5465
• In Alberta, toll-free 1-866-408-5465
• Visit the Health Link website

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 (e.g., eggs), drugs, bee stings, etc.