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Frequently Asked Questions What is in this year's seasonal influenza vaccine? Who should be immunized for influenza this year? Is the vaccine safe to use in pregnancy? Who should not receive the vaccine? Are there new influenza vaccines available this year? Where and when can I get a "flu shot" this year? Where can I find more information on influenza?
What is in this year's seasonal influenza vaccine? There are many different strains of influenza, and the circulating strains of influenza usually change yearly. Each year, the World Health Organization recommends the three most common strains predicted to circulate in the coming season to be included in the new vaccine. This year, the seasonal influenza vaccine contains the same three components as the 2010-2011 vaccine. These are a pandemic 2009 influenza A H1N1 influenza strain, an influenza A (H3N2) component, and an influenza B component. Even though the vaccine components are the same, you should still receive an annual influenza vaccine this year to provide optimal protection against influenza. Immunity from the vaccine declines over time, and may not protect you after one year.
Who should be immunized for influenza this year? This year, all Manitobans remain eligible for seasonal influenza vaccine. Although deaths from influenza in children are rare, there is the potential for severe outcomes of influenza in children. A recent US report examined pediatric deaths from influenza in 2010-11. 115 cases of influenza-associated deaths in children were reported to the CDC between September 1, 2010 and August 31, 2011. Nearly half of these children who died from influenza virus infections during the 2010-11 influenza season had no known high-risk medical conditions, and nearly half of the deaths (46%) occurred in children aged less than five years. Receiving the influenza vaccine is especially important for those at increased risk of serious illness from influenza, as well as their caregivers and close contacts. This includes:
Is the vaccine safe to use in pregnancy? Yes. There is extensive safety data available on the use of trivalent seasonal influenza vaccines in pregnant women, and the vaccine is considered safe at all stages of pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Pregnancy is NOT a reason for not receiving influenza vaccine. In fact, pregnant women are included among the highest risk categories for whom seasonal influenza vaccine is recommended yearly. An increased risk of severe influenza infections has been observed in pregnant and postpartum women. In addition, vaccination of the mother will provide some protection for her newborn infant. Infants less than six months of age, especially newborns, are at high risk of complications from influenza, but cannot be immunized with influenza vaccines. Immunizing their close contacts, including their mother, can reduce their risk of becoming infected.
Who should not receive the vaccine? The following groups of people should NOT receive seasonal influenza vaccine:
Those who have a severe allergy to eggs or chicken proteins (e.g., hives, swelling of mouth and/or throat, breathing difficulty) should check with their health care provider before receiving the vaccine. Egg allergy is no longer considered a reason for not receiving trivalent influenza vaccine. However, special precautions are recommended if someone is allergic to eggs. People who have had a severe reaction to previous vaccinations, have a bleeding disorder, or are taking medication that could affect blood clotting, are advised to consult a health professional before receiving the vaccine. Extra precautions to prevent bleeding are taken when immunizing people with hemophilia or other blooding clotting disorders. As added protection for individuals who cannot receive the vaccine, those who live with and/or care for them should receive seasonal influenza vaccine (as long as they don't have contraindications or reasons not to receive the vaccine).
Are there new influenza vaccines available this year? Manitoba Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Program (available at no charge through all immunization providers): The vaccines available at no charge in Manitoba are inactivated (killed) influenza vaccines, which are given by injection with a needle. The two inactivated influenza vaccines used in Manitoba for 2011-12 are:
Other types of influenza vaccines are now available in Canada. However, they are not currently offered through the Manitoba immunization program, and you must pay for the cost of the vaccine. Some of the below vaccines are also not recommended for everyone. Check with your health care provider if you want more information. These vaccines will not be available at the public influenza vaccine clinics.
Where and when can I get a "flu shot" this year? All immunization providers will have access to the provincial influenza vaccine supply. The vaccine is expected to arrive in the province by early October, and will be distributed throughout the province. In Winnipeg, the vaccine will be available through:
Where can I find more information on influenza? More information is available on the following sites: |
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