Flu Shot

Information on the Infection & the Vaccine

Influenza is a respiratory infection caused by the influenza virus. Various strains of the virus circulate throughout the world year-round, causing local outbreaks. Influenza (or flu) affects millions of Canadians each year. In Canada, flu season usually runs from November to April.

The most effective way to protect yourself from the flu is to be vaccinated each year in the fall. Regular hand washing is another way to help minimize your risk. By washing your hands often, you will reduce your chance of becoming infected.

Find out more about the symptoms of the flu and what you can do to lower your risk by visiting this link: http://healthycanadians.gc.ca/health-sante/disease-maladie/flu-grippe-eng.php

All Ontarians should get their flu shot. Unless there is a medical reason not to, everyone aged 6 months or older can benefit from getting the seasonal flu shot.

Getting immunized is especially important for some people because they have a greater risk of developing complications from the flu. People in close contact or those who live with people at highrisk of complications should also get immunized as early as possible. Remember, you need a flu shot every year.

The flu shot is especially important for:

People with weakened immune systems
Young children
The elderly
Pregnant Women

Also, family members and those who provide care to people in the groups listed above should get the flu vaccine to protect themselves and those around them.

If you have any of the following chronic conditions, as you are more at risk of developing complications from the seasonal flu:

Heart disease
Kidney disease
Asthma and chronic lung disease
Liver disease
Diabetes
Serious obesity
Diseases or treatments that affect the immune systems, such as cancer, HIV/AIDS & organ transplants
Blood disorders
Neurological disorders
Medical conditions where people have difficulty swallowing or where they are at risk of choking
Child and adolescent medical conditions treated for long periods with acetylsalicyclic acid (Aspirin®).

If you are in contact with people with these conditions, you should also get a flu shot to help protect them.

Who should NOT get the flu shot?

Infants under 6 months of age (the current vaccine is not recommended for this age group).
Anyone with a serious allergy (anaphylaxis) to any ingredient in the vaccine. A serious allergic reaction usually means that the person develops hives, swelling of the mouth and throat or has trouble breathing, a sudden drop in blood pressure, or shock after exposure to the ingredient they are allergic to. Your health care provider can tell you which components are in the specific vaccine. Some vaccines contain small quantities of antibiotics or preservatives.
Anyone who had a serious allergic reaction to a previous dose of the influenza vaccine.
Anyone who developed Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) within 6 weeks of a previous influenza immunization should avoid influenza immunization in the future. Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare neurological disorder that occurs when the body's immune system attacks the peripheral nerves in the body. This is known as an autoimmune disease and can be triggered following a surgical infection, or by a flu-like illness or a stomach infection. As the immune system fights off the infection, it mistakenly attacks the peripheral nerves.

The vaccine should be temporarily delayed for the following people:

Anyone with a moderate to severe acute illness with fever should usually wait until the symptoms subside before being immunized. However, people with a minor illness, with or without a fever (e.g., a cold), could still get the influenza vaccine.
Immunization should be delayed in individuals with an evolving neurological disorder, but should be considered when the disease process has been stabilized.
The risk of the vaccine causing serious harm is very small. However, you should always discuss the benefits and risks of any immunization with your health care provider.