Choose to immunize

Since the influenza virus is always changing, the seasonal influenza vaccine is updated each year based on the recommendation of the World Health Organization. The seasonal influenza vaccine contains the three virus strains most likely to circulate in the coming year. This means you need to be immunized every year. The best time to be immunized is during October and November, just before the influenza season starts. It takes about two weeks for the vaccine to work, however, it is never too late to be immunized; even after influenza arrives in the community.

Influenza vaccines cannot cause influenza because the virus in the vaccine has been killed. The vaccine is 70 to 90 per cent effective in young, healthy people and protection usually lasts less than one year. Some people who are immunized might still get influenza, but they generally have milder symptoms and are less likely to have serious medical complications from the infection. Some people may also get ill from a strain of influenza that was not covered by the vaccine.

The vaccine doesn’t work as well for people with weakened immune systems, however if they are immunized, the illness is usually less severe if they do become infected. Since vaccine strains are selected six to nine months before the start of influenza season, there is a chance that the circulating strain may change before the season actually starts.

The vaccine does not protect against other respiratory illnesses such as the common cold.

The vaccine to protect against the pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza virus will be available in November 2009 to Albertans six months and older.

Who should be immunized?

Immunization for seasonal influenza is strongly encouraged for individuals who are at risk of serious complications from influenza, such as pneumonia.

Those who would benefit most from immunization include:

• People 65 years and older;
• People living in continuing care and designated assisted living;
• Health care workers in settings such as continuing care and designated assisted living;
• Adults and children with certain chronic conditions including but not limited to heart conditions, respiratory conditions such as asthma, and diabetes;
• People living in remote communities;
• Health care workers; and
• Those who care for infants or people with
  health problems.

Who should NOT be immunized?

• People who are very allergic to eggs, because eggs are used to make the vaccine.
• People who have severe allergies to any part of the vaccine or those who have had an anaphylactic reaction to a previous influenza vaccine.
• People who developed Guillain-Barré syndrome within eight weeks of a previous influenza immunization.
• Influenza vaccine is not licensed for babies younger than six months of age.

Possible vaccine reactions

• The most common reaction is mild pain and/or swelling where the injection was given.
• Some people may have fever, feel tired and have muscle aches six – 12 hours after they get the vaccine. This may last for one or two days.
• Some people have reported red eyes, runny nose, and shortness of breath or chest tightness after receiving the influenza vaccine. These symptoms were usually mild and went away within 24 hours.
• As with any immunization, unexpected or unusual side effects can occur. Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) are rare.

Pneumococcal (pneumonia) vaccine

Pneumonia can sometimes occur after an influenza infection. Pneumococcal vaccine protects against the bacteria that most often causes pneumonia. This vaccine is provided free-of-charge to those who are at risk, including:

• People aged 65 years and older;
• Residents of long-term care facilities;
• People two years of age and older with certain chronic health conditions; and
• People living in homeless or chronically disadvantaged situations.

Most people only need to receive the pneumococcal immunization once in their lives. The vaccine can be given at any time of the year and can be administered at the same time as the influenza vaccine. Pneumococcal vaccine for babies is included in Alberta’s routine immunization program.