What is influenza (flu)?
- Influenza is a contagious disease of the respiratory tract.
It is caused by a virus.
- Influenza is spread by coughing, sneezing or direct contact.
- Symptoms can include sudden fever, chills, muscle aches and
cough.
- Occurs in Canada every year during late fall and winter months.
- Occurs worldwide (globally).
What does influenza vaccine contain?
- Three inactivated strains of influenza (two strains of influenza
A and one strain of influenza B).
- It does not contain live virus.
- Influenza vaccine contains egg, thimerosal, formaldehyde, Triton
X-100 and sodium deoxycholate.
- Influenza vaccines made by some manufacturers contain traces
of neomycin.
- Influenza vaccine packaging does not contain latex.
Who can get the vaccine free of charge in Saskatchewan?
- People over 65 years 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, immunodeficiency, immuno-suppression,
renal disease, anemia and hemoglobinopathy.
- People of any age who are residents of nursing homes and/or
chronic care facilities.
- Children and youth from 6 months to 18 years who have been treated
for a long period of time on acetylsalicylic acid (ASA).
- The Public Health Nurse will help international travellers to
determine their risk.
Who should not receive the vaccine?
- Infants younger than 6 months (vaccine is ineffective).
- People who have had a life-threatening allergic reaction to
any component of the vaccine.
- People with moderate to severe illness may have to delay immunization.
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
if they have not received influenza vaccine before.
- May be safely given with other vaccines.
How is the vaccine given?
- By injection into a muscle.
How effective is the vaccine?
- Immunization prevents influenza illness in about 70-90% of
healthy children and adults.
- Studies involving long-term care residents have shown influenza
vaccine to be 50-60% effective in preventing hospitalizations
and 85-95% in preventing death.
- Effectiveness varies depending on the age and immunity of the
person being immunized, and the match between the vaccine given
and the influenza strain circulating in the community.
- Antibody protection usually begins within 7-14 days after immunization
in the majority of healthy children and adults.
What might be felt after receiving the vaccine?
- Local reactions may include:
- soreness, redness, swelling or bruising at the injection
site;
- limited movement of the immunized limb.
- Other reactions may include:
- headache;
- loss of appetite;
- chills;
- nausea;
- vomiting;
- diarrhea;
- body rash/redness.
- Guillain Barré Syndrome (GBS) occurs in about 1/1,000,000
immunizations. (GBS has been reported to be associated with influenza
A infection.)
- Other neurological disorders temporally associated with influenza
vaccine may include:
- encephalopathy;
- optic neuritis;
- facial paralysis;
- convulsions;
- paraesthesia.
(No cause and effect has been established between being immunized
with influenza vaccine and neurological disorders.)
- ORS (oculorespiratory syndrome) has been reported in the past
two influenza seasons.
Tell your doctor or public health nurse, if following influenza
vaccination, you have experienced:
- Red eyes;
- Respiratory problems (difficulty breathing, cough, wheeze, chest
tightness, sore throat);
- Facial swelling;
OR
- If you are taking any medications including warfarin or theophylline.
For more information contact:
Your local public health office OR your
physician.
Adapted from Saskatoon District Health,
Public Health Services; 2000 Red Book;
Canadian Immunization Guide, 6th edition, 2002. |
