GET THE VACCINE, NOT THE FLU
The Facts: Influenza, commonly known as “the flu”, infects 10 to 25% of Canadians every year. Missing work and
school, overcrowded doctors’ offices and emergency rooms, increased hospitalizations for pneumonia, and deaths
are the results. The Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care provides free flu vaccines for all those over 6
months of age who live, work or attend school in Ontario.
The Virus: Influenza is a serious respiratory disease caused by a virus. It spreads easily through coughing and
sneezing. It also spreads through direct contact with surfaces contaminated by the influenza virus. While some
symptoms may be cold-like, influenza can be far more serious, ie., fever, chills, cough, sore throat, headache and
body aches. Although the fever may go away on the second or third day of illness, full recovery may take up to six
weeks. Most people recover fully, but the flu can lead to more serious illnesses such as pneumonia. Complications
are more common in young children; the elderly and those have chronic medical conditions.
The Vaccine: In order to provide the most effective protections, the vaccine must contain part of the virus itself,
but the virus is dead and cannot give you the flu. Each year the influenza vaccine is changed to protect against the
specific influenza viruses expected to circulate. With a good match between the flu vaccine and the circulating
virus, the vaccine is 70 –90 % effective in preventing influenza infection in healthy adults. For children, the
vaccine is about 80 – 90% effective in preventing the flu. The vaccine is somewhat less effective in preventing
influenza in the elderly. However, the vaccine can prevent pneumonia, and hospitalization in about six out of ten
seniors.
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Each year you need to receive the new vaccine to be effectively protected against influenza.
Protection from the vaccine usually starts by two weeks after the injection and may last six months or
longer.
Children less than nine (9) years old need two (2) shots, given at least four (4) weeks apart, if they haven’t
had a flu shot before.
For those who receive the vaccine and still get influenza, it is usually milder than it would have been
without the shot.
Influenza immunization is considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
The Side Effects: The flu vaccine must meet the very highest standards. Serious side effects from the vaccine
are very rare.
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You cannot get the flu from the vaccine, as there is no live virus in the vaccine. At the time of year that the
vaccine is given, many cold viruses are causing illness. Infection with these viruses may be mistaken for a
reaction to the flu vaccine.
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Some people have a sore arm for a day or two after getting the injections. A few people will experience
symptoms such as low fever, headache and muscle aches. These symptoms are generally mild and end
within one to two days. Extra rest, plenty of fluids and acetaminophen (Eg. Tylenol) with help ease the
symptoms.
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During the 2000 – 2001 influenza season an “oculo-respiratory syndrome” (ORS) was reported following
administration of the flu vaccine in Canada. ORS is defined as red eyes, and / or respiratory symptoms
(cough, wheeze, chest tightness, difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness or sore throat), and /
or facial swelling developing within 24 hours of vaccination. Since this time these have been fewer ORS
cases reported each year. Generally the symptoms are mild and self-limiting. If you previously experienced
ORS symptoms following influenza immunization see your doctor before receiving further influenza
vaccine.
GET THE VACCINE, NOT THE FLU
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In 1976, swine flu vaccine was associated with a severe paralytic illness called Guillain –Barre Syndrome
(GBS). Influenza vaccines since then have not been clearly linked to GBS. However, if there is a risk of
GBS from current influenza vaccines, it is estimated to be at most one (1) case per million persons
vaccinated – much less than the risk of severe influenza, which can be prevented by a flu shot.
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It is important that you report any unusual or severe side effects, or any of the ORS symptoms to your
family doctor.
Who Should get the Shot?
Everyone 6 months of age and older are encouraged to get the flu vaccine. It is especially important for the
following persons:
Please indicate if any of these apply to you / your child:
 Over 65 years of age.
 Healthy child aged 6-23 months.
 Chronic heart or lung disorder.
 Other chronic conditions eg: diabetes, metabolic diseases, cancer, anemia immunodeficiency,
immunosuppression, kidney problems.
 6mo –18yres of age & treated for long period with ASA.
 Household contact of anyone at risk of flu complications.
 Emergency response worker.
 Health care worker or volunteer in a health care agency.
 Childcare provider to children aged 0 –23 months.
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 Pregnant in 2 or 3 trimester and due to deliver during the flu season.
Who Should Not Get the Flu Vaccine?
The following persons should not get the flu vaccine:
 Infants under 6 months of age.
 Anyone with a serious allergy to eggs or egg products.
 Anyone allergic to thimerosol or formaldehyde.
 Anyone who has had a serious allergic reaction to a dose of influenza vaccine.
 Anyone who is ill and has a fever should not receive the vaccine until they are feeling better.
The following persons should refer to their physician about receiving influenza vaccine:
 Anyone with history of Guillain-Barre Syndrome.
 Anyone with a history of Oculo –Respiratory Syndrome.
 Anyone with a changing neurological condition.
NOTE: Persons allergic to neomycin should not receive Vaxigrip Brand vaccine.
Consent:
You will be asked to sign our electronic medical record to confirm that you have read and
understand the information above.