Take the flu seriously – get the shot!

 

Everyone can benefit from getting a flu shot each year. Getting the shot improves chances of having a flu-free winter and also avoids transmitting the virus through contacts with people, especially those at high risk of flu-related complications.

Each year, a new flu vaccine must be prepared that will be effective against the flu virus strain circulating the globe. Find out how the flu shot makes its way from the lab to the doctor's office.

Certain groups should not be vaccinated. These include children under six months of age and people who have had a severe allergic reaction to eggs or to a previous dose of the vaccine.

Flu shots are especially important for:

• Pregnant Women
• Kids
• Adults and children with chronic diseases
• Seniors
• Health professionals
• Caregivers

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Related information:

• Four flu shot myths – and facts - for parents  
• Vaccine Safety Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• What happens if the strains of the influenza virus included in the annual vaccine do not perfectly match the strains that are circulating and causing illness in Canada?

Pregnant Women

Expectant mothers at any stage of pregnancy, including those with high risk conditions, should get a flu shot to protect themselves and their babies from the influenza virus. It is particularly important that women who will be in the later stages of their pregnancies (second and third trimester) during the flu season (November-April) are immunized because these women are at greater risk of hospitalization from flu complications.

Pregnant women who contract the flu may develop pneumonia and require hospitalization. In its recommendations for 2008-2009, Canada's National Advisory Committee on Immunization noted that while the risk of hospitalization due to flu is not significantly increased during the first trimester of pregnancy, it increases as the pregnancy advances. The highest risk of hospitalization from influenza is during the third trimester.

Kids

Babies, age 0-6 months
Flu shots are not recommended for babies under the age of 6 months. Although the vaccine is not harmful to babies less than 6 months old, it does not work, and babies can get the flu.This means that it is especially important for all members of the family and caregivers to get the flu shot.

 

Children 6-23 months at particular risk of complications from flu
Children aged 6- 23 months should receive a flu shot because they are particularly susceptible to complications from the flu and are more likely to be hospitalized because of them.

Some symptoms of flu complications in children include, difficulty breathing, sudden paleness, fever or low temperature, inability to drink or breastfeed, vomiting more than 2-3 times in 24 hours, a stiff neck, lethargy or confusion, and convulsions or seizures.

Note: If your child is receiving the flu shot for the first time ever this year, see new dose recommendations.

 

All healthy children, ages 2 and over are encouraged to receive an annual flu shot to prevent illness and reduce spread of the flu to those who are more vulnerable.  If there are children less than 2 years old in your home, everyone living in the house should get a flu shot. Daycare providers and caregivers who take care of children less than 24 months of age outside of the home should also be immunized.   

Note: If your child is receiving the flu shot for the first time ever this year, see new dose recommendations.

 

Adults and children with chronic diseases

Adults and children with chronic diseases significant enough to require regular medical attention or hospital care should ensure that they receive the flu shot. 

Those at risk include people with chronic diseases or conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, asthma as well as diabetes, cystic fibrosis, anemia, weakened immune system, HIV or kidney disease.

Seniors

Seniors have the highest rate of hospitalization and death from the flu.  Common complications of the flu for seniors include bacterial infection and pneumonia.  Getting the flu shot helps to reduce the risk of serious complications and life-threatening illness.   Research shows that the flu vaccine may be less effective in preventing infection in seniors.  This means that it is important for all members of the family, health professionals and caregivers to get the flu shot to better protect seniors.

Health professionals

Protect yourself, protect your patients:  get the flu shot! 
You can make a difference!  Learn how…

Caregivers

People who are in close contact with individuals at high-risk for complications of flu should receive a flu shot.

To reduce the chance of transmitting the virus to those most at risk, daycare workers, teachers, parents, and caregivers for the elderly, ill, and young children should all be vaccinated against the flu. Those who work in continuing care facilities, make regular visits to these establishments, and provide home-care, should also be vaccinated. Canada's National Advisory Committee on Immunization also recommends an annual flu shot for people who provide essential community services.