All the flu vaccines offered in New Brunswick provide protection against four different influenza viruses:
two influenza A viruses (H1N1 and H3N2)
two influenza B viruses.
The high dose influenza vaccine is licensed specifically for people 65 years and older and has four times the concentration of influenza virus antigen as the standard inactivated influenza vaccine to give the elderly better protection.
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 standard seasonal flu vaccine is given as an injection into the upper arm in older children and adults, and into the thigh in infants.
Most flu vaccines are “flu shots” given with a needle, usually in the arm, however this year, the province is introducing an intranasal influenza vaccine (FluMist) as an alternative to the traditional needle-based influenza vaccine for individuals ranging in age from two to 17 years old and is meant for children who have a fear of needles.
For more information on the nasal spray influenza vaccine FluMist contact your local Public Health Office or pharmacist to find out if your child is eligible.
Seasonal influenza vaccine is available free of charge to all New Brunswick residents aged 6 months and older.
Out-of-province students can 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.
New Brunswick residents 65 years and older are eligible to receive a high dose influenza vaccine which is intended to give seniors a stronger immune response, and therefore, better protection against influenza.
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.
Common side effects of the vaccine may include soreness, redness, and swelling at the injection site. Mild fever, headache, and muscle aches may occur within six to 12 hours of vaccination and last for about one to two days.
Less common but serious side effects: Extremely rare cases of life-threatening allergic reactions, known as anaphylaxis, can occur. This can include hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the throat, tongue, or lips. It is important to remain at the clinic for 15 minutes after receiving any vaccine to monitor for such reactions. If symptoms occur after leaving the clinic, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department for immediate treatment.
Treating reactions
Applying 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.
NEVER give Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA or Aspirin®) to children younger than 18 years because it can cause a severe liver and brain disease called Reye’s syndrome.
You will find a location near you that offers the vaccine, including a Public Health Office for children between the ages of six months to 59 months, a local pharmacy, your family physicians, nurse practitioners, midwives and other health care providers. Vaccines are also distributed onsite for long-term care residents (anyone living in a nursing home or an adult residential facility).
Pharmacists will be providing immunization to individuals in the following group:
• adults (including pregnant women and Aboriginal people) and children 2 years and older (including FluMist to children 2 years to 17 years of age).
Midwives will be providing immunization to individuals in the following group:
• pregnant women.
Some workplaces, including the Government of New Brunswick, will provide influenza immunization clinics for staff. Please verify with your employer to see if a vaccine clinic will be made available on location at your work site.
For more information regarding publicly funded influenza vaccines, please consult with your health care provider or contact your local Public Health Office, or your local pharmacy.
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Inform your immunization provider if you or your child has any health problems or allergies. Your immunization provider will give you a record of you or your child’s immunization. Keep this record in a safe place and bring it with you the next time you or your child is immunized.
Children six months to less than 9 years old who have never had an influenza vaccine need to have two doses at least four weeks apart.
If you or your child has any unusual reaction(s) to the vaccine, or if you have any questions or concerns, please speak to your healthcare provider.
Individuals 16 years and older can give their own consent. Children younger than 16 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
For further information contact your health care providers, local Public Health office or Tele-Care (811).
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