Influenza (flu) vaccine

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New Brunswick provides a universal seasonal influenza (flu) vaccine program to all residents aged six months and older. The vaccines offer protection against the most common strains of influenza circulating globally.

FluMist, a nasal spray influenza vaccine for children aged two to 17 is offered for children who 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 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 vaccine is given as an injection into the upper arm in older children and adults and into the thigh in infants.

The FluMist influenza vaccine is an intranasal spray offered to children who qualify, as an alternative to the traditional needle-based influenza vaccine.

All New Brunswick residents aged six months and older should get their influenza vaccine annually. 

The influenza vaccine should not be given to anyone who:

• Had a life-threatening reaction (such as anaphylaxis) to a previous dose or to any ingredients of the vaccine or its container.

• 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.

FluMist vaccine should not be given if your child:

• had a severe allergic reaction to the vaccine previously or

• is allergic to any of the ingredients of the vaccine or its container

• has a history of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) within six weeks of receiving any influenza vaccine.

• FluMist vaccine is not recommended in pregnancy.

NOTE: If your child has a chronic condition or illness, you should speak to your doctor to find out if the nasal flu vaccine is appropriate.

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, 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.

Vaccination appointments can be booked with primary healthcare providers, online using the provincial scheduler (select pharmacies/Public Health Clinics), or by contacting a community pharmacy or Public Health Clinic.

If a  New Brunswick resident doesn't have a New Brunswick Medicare card but is eligible for the vaccine, call 1-833-437-1424 to book an appointment.

Long-term care residents from a nursing home or an adult residential facility can receive their vaccine on site.

Midwives can 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.

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.