Please read the following information regarding influenza immunization.

Who should get the influenza vaccine?

Everyone living, working or going to school in Alberta for 2 weeks or longer should have an influenza immunization. Children over 9 years and adults receive 1 dose. Children 6 months to 9 years who are getting influenza vaccine for the first time should have 2 doses, given 1 month apart. After the first year, all children need just 1 dose.

How does this vaccine work?

The influenza vaccine contains 4 strains, providing protection against the most severe types of influenza expected for 2020-2021 season. It is an “inactivated” vaccine, containing viruses have been damaged or killed to ensure the vaccine cannot cause influenza disease while still prompting your immune system to produce protective antibodies. Inactivated vaccines are safe and effective and can be given on the same day as other vaccines. Developing full protection takes about 2 weeks after the immunization. Influenza vaccine will lower your risk of getting the disease and reduce the chance of spreading influenza to others.

Side Effects:

Side effects to this vaccine are usually mild and go away in a few days. Side effects may include:

Redness, swelling and discomfort where the needle was given
Headache or body aches
Low fever or chills
Feeling tired or irritable
Poor appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain or diarrhea

Treat swelling and discomfort at the injection site by putting a cool, wet cloth over the area. If you need fever or pain medication, check with your health care provider. Do not give aspirin products to anyone younger that 19 years of age, as it can cause serious health problems.

Unusual or severe reactions may occur. It is important to stay at the clinic for 15 minutes after the immunization because some people can have a rare, serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). If anaphylaxis happens, your health care provider will give you medicine to treat the symptoms.

If you have questions, please ask your health care practitioner.