What is the inactivated influenza vaccine?

The inactivated influenza vaccine is made of killed influenza viruses or parts of the viruses. It protects against infection from influenza viruses and is given by an injection. The vaccine does not protect against other viruses that cause colds or gastroenteritis (vomiting and diarrhea). Several different influenza vaccines are available in B.C., including a live attenuated influenza vaccine made from weakened influenza viruses that is given as a nasal spray. For more information, please visit HealthLinkBC File #12e Live attenuated influenza (flu) vaccine. The vaccine is approved by Health Canada.

In B.C., influenza vaccines are usually available beginning in October. For your best protection, get immunized as soon as possible. You can find information on booking an appointment to get immunized on the Government of British Columbia’s website at https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/managing-your-health/immunizations/flu.

Who should get the vaccine?

The influenza vaccine is available at no charge and recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older. The vaccine is especially recommended for people who are at high risk of serious illness from influenza and those able to spread influenza to those at high risk.

People at high risk of serious illness from influenza, include:

• Children 6 months to less than 5 years of age
• Pregnant people at any stage of pregnancy
• Seniors 65 years and older
• Residents of any age living in residential care, assisted living or other group facilities
• Children and teenagers required to take Aspirin® or ASA for long periods of time due to a medical condition
• Children and adults with certain medical conditions, including:
  • Heart or lung disorders that require regular medical care, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or cystic fibrosis
  • Kidney disease, chronic liver disease such as hepatitis, diabetes, cancer, anemia or weakened immune system
  • Those with health conditions causing difficulty breathing, swallowing or a risk of choking on food or fluids, such as people with severe brain damage, spinal cord injury, seizures or neuromuscular disorders
• Children and adults who are very obese

Indigenous people may be at increased risk of serious illness from influenza due to health inequities resulting from colonialism.

People able to spread influenza to those at high risk of serious illness from influenza including:

• Household contacts (including children) of people at high risk
• Household contacts, caregivers and daycare staff of children under 5 years of age
• Doctors, nurses and others working in health care settings, including long-term care facilities, who have contact with patients
• Visitors to health care facilities and other patient care locations
• Inmates of provincial correctional institutions
• Those who provide care or service to people at high risk in potential outbreak settings such as cruise ships

Other groups who the vaccine is specifically recommended for include:

• People who provide essential community services, including police officers, firefighters, paramedics and corrections workers
• People working closely with influenza susceptible animals including poultry, dairy and swine industry workers

How is the vaccine given?

The vaccine is given by injection, usually as one dose. Children under 9 years of age who have never had an influenza vaccine need 2 doses given 4 weeks apart. The second dose improves their level of protection.

What are the benefits of getting the vaccine?

The vaccine is the best way to protect against influenza, a serious and sometimes fatal infection. When you get immunized, you help protect others as well by reducing the spread of the influenza virus.

What are the possible reactions after the vaccine?

Vaccines are very safe. It is much safer to the get the vaccine than influenza. You cannot get influenza from the inactivated influenza vaccine because it does not contain live influenza virus.

Common reactions to the vaccine include soreness, redness and swelling where the vaccine was given. Other symptoms, that may last 1 to 2 days, can include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle or joint soreness
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Chills

Babies and young children may be irritable, sleepy and have a decreased appetite. Fewer than 1 in 20 people may have oculo-respiratory syndrome (ORS). Symptoms of ORS include red eyes, a cough and/or sore throat and/or hoarseness.