New Brunswick provides a universal seasonal influenza (flu) vaccine program to all residents aged six months and older. The vaccines offer protection against either three strains of influenza (known as trivalent vaccines) or four strains (known as quadrivalent vaccines), which are the most common strains circulating globally.
In addition, FluMist, a nasal spray influenza vaccine for children aged two to 17 is offered for children who have a fear of needles and may be hesitant to receive the traditional needle-based influenza vaccine. To determine if a child is eligible, parents/guardians should contact their primary care provider, local Public Health office, or community pharmacy.
Getting your flu vaccine every year is important because the viruses can change from year to year, and the protection provided by the previous vaccine decreases over time. Getting immunized each year is the best way to protect against influenza infection, a serious and sometimes fatal disease. When you and your family are immunized, you help protect others as well.
The flu vaccine is given as an injection in the upper arm in adults and to young children in their thigh or in their upper arm.
The FluMist influenza vaccine is an intranasal spray offered to children who qualifies, as an alternative to the traditional needle-based influenza vaccine.
The influenza vaccine should not be given to anyone who:
• Had a life-threatening reaction (such as anaphylaxis) to a previous dose of the influenza vaccine.
• Has a history of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) within six weeks of receiving any influenza vaccine. GBS is a rare condition that can lead to muscle weakness and paralysis.
• Children below six months of age as it is not licensed or known to be effective for these age groups.
NOTE: individuals with egg allergies can receive flu vaccine.
Reactions to the vaccine are generally mild and last one to two days. Common reactions to the vaccine may include soreness, redness and swelling where the vaccine was given. Fever may also occur.
With any vaccine, there is an extremely rare possibility (less than one in a million people) of a life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. For this reason, it is important to remain in the clinic for 15 minutes after receiving the vaccine. Signs of this reaction may include rash, difficulty breathing or swelling of the throat, tongue or lips. This reaction can be treated. Any unexpected or serious reaction to a vaccine should be reported to your health-care provider.
Treating reactions
· A cold compress at the injection site may reduce discomfort.
· For discomfort and fever, you can take or give your child medicine by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Ask your healthcare provider what medicine is best.
Children can receive their vaccine through their local public health office (six months to 59 months), their primary care provider or their local pharmacy (two years and older).
Adults can receive their vaccine through their primary care provider or their local pharmacy.
Long-term care residents from a nursing home or an adult residential facility can receive their vaccine on site.
Midwives provide vaccination to pregnant individuals.
Out-of-province students can also get their flu shots through student health services at their respective post-secondary institutions.
New residents and non-residents without a Medicare card can get flu shots free of charge from a pharmacist.
To access your immunization record, please register or sign in to your MyHealthNB account. Vaccination records for people aged 16 and older are available by registering online at MyHealthNB.
The paper record of immunization provided when vaccinated will continue to be the official record. Keep your immunization record in a safe place.
If the information on your record is incorrect or you received immunizations outside of New Brunswick and want them added, you can send an email to: [email protected] .
If your vaccination record is not available at MyHealthNB contact the place you received your vaccines: your health-care provider, your pharmacy, or your local Public Health.
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Inform your immunization provider if you or your child has any health problems or allergies.
If you or your child has any unusual reactions to the vaccine, or you have any questions or concerns, please contact your primary care provider, pharmacist or public health office.
• Public Health Agency of Canada: Vaccines for children: About vaccines - Canada.ca
• Public Health Agency of Canada: Vaccination for adults - Canada.ca
• Caring for kids: Immunization | Caring for kids (cps.ca)
Last reviewed: August 2024