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Influenza Vaccine
PDF version of Influenza Vaccine Information
What is influenza?
- Influenza is a contagious disease of the upper respiratory tract. It is caused by a virus.
- Influenza is spread by nasal droplets.
- Symptoms can include sudden fever, chills, muscle aches and cough.
- Occurs in Canada every year during late fall and winter months.
- Occurs worldwide.
What does influenza vaccine contain?
A/Brisbane/59/2007 (H1N1)-like virus, A/Brisbane/10/2007 (H3N2)-like virus and a B/Brisbane/60/2008-like virus.
Fluviral®:
- contains egg protein, thimerosal, formaldehyde, sodium deoxycholate and sucrose.
- does not contain latex.
Vaxigrip®:
- contains egg protein, formaldehyde, sodium phosphate, sodium chloride, thimerosal, Triton® X-100, neomycin and sucrose.
- does not contain latex.
How effective is the vaccine?
- Protection begins about 7 days after immunization.
- Does not protect against avian influenza virus.
How long does the protection last?
- For approximately 6 months or longer in the general population.
- In the elderly, for approximately 4 months.
Who should receive the vaccine?
- All ages can benefit from annual influenza vaccine.
- Influenza vaccine is available to purchase should a person not qualify for the no-cost program.
- In Saskatchewan, the following people may receive no-cost influenza vaccine:
- People 65 years of age and over, as of March 31, 2009.
- Children ages 6–23 months of age.
- Adults and children with chronic heart or lung disorders.
- Adults and children with chronic conditions such as diabetes and other metabolic diseases, cancer, immuno-deficiency, immuno-suppression, renal disease and anemia.
- Adults and children who have any condition that can compromise respiratory function or the handling of respiratory secretions or increase the risk of aspiration (e.g. muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis or acquired brain disorder).
- People of any age who are residents of nursing homes and/or chronic care facilities.
- Adolescents and children (ages 24 months to 18 years) treated for long periods with ASA.
- Pregnant women.
- A Public Health Nurse will help international travellers to determine their risk.
Who should not receive the vaccine?
- Infants younger than 6 months (less effective and higher risk of fever reactions).
- People who have had a life-threatening allergic reaction to the vaccine or any of its components.
- People who have developed Guillain Barré Syndrome within 8 weeks following influenza immunization.
- People with moderate to severe illness may have to delay immunization.
How is the vaccine given?
- By injection into a muscle.
When should the vaccine be given?
- For Canadian residents: annually in the fall.
- Children under 9 years of age require two doses, one month apart, the first season they have the vaccine.
- May be safely given with other vaccines.
What might be felt after receiving the vaccine?
Very common (10% or greater):
- soreness, redness or swelling at the injection site, lasting up to 2 days
- headache, weakness
- limited movement of immunized limb
Common (between 1% and 10%):
- fatigue, fever, sweating, chills
- loss of appetite
- nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
- muscle ache or joint ache
Rare (between 0.01% and 0.1%):
- lymphadenopathy
- body rash/redness
Very rare (less than 0.01%):
- immediate allergic reactions
- Guillain Barré Syndrome (a neurological disorder) may occur in about 1/1,000,000 but a clear link has not been accepted or rejected.
- People who previously experienced oculo-respiratory syndrome, may be safely re-immunized.
Call one of the Health Centres listed below if you have severe or unusual reactions.
International Travel Centre: (306) 655-4780
North Health Centre: (306) 655-4700
Our Neighbourhood Health Centre: (306) 655-4950
South East Health Centre: (306) 655-4730
West Winds Primary Health Centre: (306) 655-4275
©2009, Saskatoon Health Region. Reproduced only by permission.
(update August 18, 2009)
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