IMMUNIZATION – YOUR BEST PROTECTION

Vaccines are the best way to protect against some very serious diseases. Protect against three strains of influenza virus with this vaccine.

In Ontario, the influenza vaccine is publicly funded for:

• individuals 6 months of age and older

What is influenza?

• It is a disease caused by the influenza virus and is also known as the “flu”
• Symptoms include: headache, sudden high fever, fatigue, weakness, chills, muscle aches, loss of appetite and a dry cough.
• Recovery may take up to 6 weeks
• Complications may be severe and life-threatening

How is influenza spread?

Influenza is highly contagious and spreads rapidly from person to person usually by airborne droplets carried in a cough or a sneeze.  The virus can survive up to 48 hours on nonporous surfaces like a telephone, computer keyboard, doorknob, kitchen countertop or toys.  Symptoms take up to a week to develop, therefore, you may be spreading the virus and not even know it. 

How safe is the influenza vaccine?

It is very safe. The only individuals who should NOT receive this vaccine are those who:

• are ill with a fever or infection
• have had a severe allergic reaction (called anaphylaxis) to a past dose of this vaccine or any of its components (formaldehyde, thimerosal, Triton® X-100, neomycin, egg proteins, sodium deoxycholate, sucrose)
• are <6 months of age

Individuals with a history of Guillain-Barré (GBS) following a past dose of influenza vaccine should consult their physician or nurse practitioner prior to receiving a dose this season.  

What are the side effects that I should watch for after vaccination?

Serious side effects from the vaccine are very rare. Most children and adults have no problems following vaccination. Redness, soreness and slight swelling is common following immunization, however other side effect may include:    

• Allergic reactions (ie. hives, swelling, and difficulty breathing).  If these symptoms occur, seek medical attention immediately

All children less than nine years of age who have been previously immunized with the pandemic H1N1 influenza vaccine, but not seasonal influenza vaccine require two doses of seasonal influenza vaccine, four weeks apart.

If you choose to receive this vaccine today, it is required that you wait 2 days before donating blood.

For more information on influenza or this vaccine, contact Public Health and ask to speak to a Nurse in the Vaccine Preventable Diseases Program.