Influenza vaccine

Vaccine for seasonal and pandemic H1N1 influenza

Influenza clinics

Pandemic H1N1 influenza vaccine

Given a positive resolution to the national vaccine shortage, and good uptake of vaccine among the highest-risk groups previously announced, starting Monday, November 23, Alberta’s H1N1 immunization program includes all members of the public.

In addition to public health clinics, the pandemic H1N1 vaccine is now being offered at some pharmacies and physician offices free of charge. Please make sure you check with your family doctor or pharmacist that they have the H1N1 vaccine available.

Seasonal influenza vaccine 2009–2010

Starting December 1, both H1N1 and seasonal influenza vaccines will be available at all immunization clinics across the province.

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 all Albertans six months of age and older. However, it is especially important for those at high-risk for influenza-related complications and their contacts to be immunized. This includes:

  • People living 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;
  • People 65 years and older;
  • Healthy children 6–23 months old.
  • Pregnant women;
  • Household contacts of the above; and
  • Health care workers / health care students.

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