Influenza Vaccine

Vaccine for seasonal and pandemic H1N1 influenza

Influenza clinics

Pandemic H1N1 influenza vaccine

Due to the unexpected national shortage of the H1N1 vaccine, Alberta Health Services and Alberta Health and Wellness will begin targeted immunization of Albertans at high risk. Read more on H1N1 influenza high-risk immunization

Seasonal influenza vaccine 2009–2010

On October 13, 2009, the province began its influenza immunization program. The program started with seasonal influenza immunization aimed at high-risk groups. The program shifted to pandemic H1N1 influenza immunization the week of October 26, 2009.

While the pandemic H1N1 influenza virus is anticipated to be the most prevalent strain of the virus this winter, Alberta is offering government-funded seasonal influenza vaccine to high-risk groups. These high-risk groups include:

  • People 65 years and older;
  • People living in group settings such as continuing care and designated assisted living;
  • Health care workers in group settings such as continuing care and designated assisted living;
  • Adults and children with certain chronic conditions including but not limited to heart conditions, respiratory conditions such as asthma, and diabetes;
  • Pregnant women; and
  • Healthy children 6–23 months old.

Common seasonal influenza vaccine concerns

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.

Is influenza vaccine safe?

Yes. You cannot get influenza disease from the vaccine.

  • 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.

What if you are allergic to latex?

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

What are possible side effects of this 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.

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.

  • 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.

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.

More information

Call Health Link Alberta