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Immunization protects you from disease.
Get protected, get immunized. - Vaccines make your immune system stronger. They build antibodies to help prevent diseases.
- Immunization is safe. It's much safer to get immunized than to get this disease.
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What is the influenza vaccine?
The influenza vaccine protects against the influenza virus.
Who should have the influenza vaccine?
You should get the influenza vaccine if you’re age 6 months and older. Everyone is at risk of influenza.
Influenza can make you very sick and lead to other health problems, especially if you:
- have heart or lung conditions, diabetes, a weak immune system, a lot of extra weight, or other health problems
- live in a care facility, such as a nursing home
- are under age 5 years
- are age 65 years or older
- are pregnant
- are Indigenous
It’s important to get the influenza vaccine each year if you:
- have a high risk for influenza
- have close contact with someone who has a high risk, such as family members and caregivers
- are a health care provider (to protect the people you care for)
The vaccine is free if you live, work, or go to school in Alberta.
How many doses do I need?
If you’re under age 9 years, the first time you get the influenza vaccine you’ll need 2 doses at least 4 weeks apart.
Everyone else only needs 1 dose each influenza season (starts in late fall and lasts through the winter).
Are there different types of influenza vaccines?
There are many types of influenza vaccines. Every year, Alberta Health looks at information about influenza to help them decide which vaccines will be offered for free.
Your healthcare provider will let you know which vaccine is best for you.
How well does the vaccine work?
How well the vaccine works changes from one influenza season to another.
A new vaccine is made every year to protect against the 3 or 4 influenza viruses that are most likely to make you sick. Even when the vaccine does not exactly match the viruses that are spreading, it can still help protect you from getting influenza or getting as sick from it.
The influenza vaccine is the best way to lower your risk of getting influenza and developing health problems related to influenza. It can also help prevent you from spreading it to others.
The influenza vaccine will start to protect you about 2 weeks after you get the vaccine.
Where can I get the influenza vaccine?
You can get the influenza vaccine for free:
- at Alberta Health Services (AHS) Influenza Immunization Clinics (from late October to the end of March)
- from many family doctors or pharmacists.
To find local clinic schedules, visit
www.ahs.ca/influenza or call Health Link at 811.
Call your family doctor or pharmacist to find out if they offer the vaccine. If you want a type of influenza vaccine that isn’t free, you may be able to buy it at a pharmacy. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if it’s right for you. You can also check with your health insurance provider to see if they cover the cost.
Are there side effects from the influenza vaccine?
There can be side effects from the influenza vaccine, but they tend to be mild and go away in a few days. Side effects may include:
- redness, swelling, bruising, or feeling sore where you had the needle
- crying, feeling tired, or getting upset easily
- headache
- fever or chills
- body aches or sore joints
- not feeling hungry or not wanting to eat (poor appetite)
- feeling sick to your stomach (nausea), stomach pain, vomiting, or loose stool (diarrhea)
- sore throat, cough, runny nose
It’s important to stay at the clinic for 15 minutes after your vaccine. Some people may have a rare but serious allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. If anaphylaxis happens, you will get medicine to treat the symptoms.
It’s rare to have a serious side effect. Call Health Link at 811 to report any serious or unusual side effects.
How can I manage side effects?
- To help with soreness and swelling, put a cool, wet cloth over the area where you had the needle.
- There is medicine to help with fever or pain. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re not sure what medicine or dosage to take. Follow the directions on the package.
- Children under the age of 18 years should
not take aspirin because it can cause serious health problems.
- Some people with health problems, such as a weak immune system, must call their doctor if they get a fever. If you’ve been told to do this, call your doctor even if you think the fever is from the vaccine.
Who should not have the influenza vaccine?
You may not be able to have the vaccine if you:
- have an allergy to parts of the vaccine
- had a severe or unusual side effect after this vaccine or one like it
Check with your doctor or a public health nurse before you get the vaccine.
You can still have the vaccine if you have an allergy to eggs or a mild illness such as a cold or fever. Always tell your healthcare provider if you have allergies or if you have had a side effect from a vaccine in the past.
Facts about Influenza
What is influenza?
Influenza is an infection of the nose, throat, and lungs that’s caused by a virus. Symptoms start suddenly and may include:
- fever
- sore throat, runny nose, or cough
- headache
- muscle aches
- poor appetite
- feeling tired
- vomiting and loose stool (diarrhea) - This is more common in young children.
In some cases, influenza can lead to an infection of the lungs (pneumonia) or make other health problems worse.
Influenza can make healthy, young people very sick and die.
Each year, more than 12,000 people in Canada have to stay in the hospital and 3,500 will die from influenza.
How does it spread?
Influenza spreads:
- when an infected person sneezes, coughs, or even talks
- if you breathe in the virus
- if you touch something that carries the virus like hands or a door knob, then touch your eyes, mouth, or nose
It’s important to know that influenza can spread before symptoms start.
How can I prevent influenza from spreading?
To prevent influenza from spreading:
- get immunized
- wash your hands with warm water and soap or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer often
- cover your cough or sneeze into your arm or a tissue, not your hand
- stay home when you’re sick
Go to the
influenza page on MyHealth.Alberta.ca to find out more.
More information
