Influenza

New for health professionals

• Health Care Worker Influenza Control Program - Questions and Answers

About the vaccine

• The influenza vaccine protects against viruses that cause influenza - often called the 'flu'
• It doesn't protect against other viruses or bacteria that may cause colds or stomach illnesses (the stomach 'flu')
• The virus changes (mutates) every year so that a new vaccine must be administered annually
• You cannot get influenza from a flu shot
• The best way to protect against influenza is to get immunized every year

How do I know if I should get a flu vaccine? 

• Everyone can get the flu shot to protect them from getting the flu. In British Columbia, the flu shot is provided for free to those at highest risk of severe influenza illness and those who are close contacts or caregivers to people at high risk.
• It is especially important for people who are at increased risk of complications from influenza to get the flu shot each year. 
• People who may be at increased risk include: seniors, people with chronic health conditions (especially heart or lung conditions), aboriginal people, or those with compromised immune systems. 
• You should also get a flu shot if you are a caregiver or close contact of someone who is at increased risk of complications from flu. 

Am I eligible to receive a free influenza shot?

In British Columbia, the flu shot is offered free to people who are at increased risk of complications, or who come in regular contact with those groups. Eligible groups include: 

• People 65 and older and their caregivers (http://www.seniorsbc.ca/)
• Children and adults with chronic health conditions and their household contacts
• Health care workers
• Emergency responders
• Children 6 months to less than 5 years of age
• Household contacts and caregivers of children from birth to less than 5 years of age
• Pregnant women who will be in their 3rd trimester during the influenza season
• Residents of nursing homes and other chronic care facilities
• Owners and operators of poultry farms
• Aboriginal peoples
• People who are very obese (those with a body mass index of 40 or greater)
• Corrections officers  and inmates in provincial correctional institutions.
• Those who provide care or service in potential outbreak settings housing high risk persons (e.g. crew on ships)
• For health professionals who are interested in more details on the groups who are eligible for a free influenza vaccine, visit page 31 of Section VII of the BCCDC's Communicable Disease Control Manual.

All other British Columbians are able to receive a flu shot for a fee. 

Where can I get my flu shot?

• Flu shots are administered at a wide variety of locations across the province, including public health clinics, physician’s offices, and pharmacies. 
• To find the nearest flu shot clinic, visit the B.C. Flu Clinic Locator at www.health.gov.bc.ca/flu/ or call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1. 

Egg allergies: People with mild egg allergies can safely receive the influenza vaccine. 

For more information about the vaccine, who should get it, the benefits and possible reactions read the following healthfiles:

• Influenza (Flu) Vaccine (12d)
• Influenza (Flu) Immunization: Myths and Facts (12c)
• Why Seniors Should Get Influenza (Flu) Vaccine (12a)

About the disease

• Influenza symptoms can include fever, headache, muscle pain, runny nose, sore throat, extreme tiredness, and cough
• Symptoms can begin about one to four days, or an average of two days, after a person is first exposed to the influenza virus. Fever and other symptoms can usually last 7 to 10 days, with the cough and weakness lasting up to two more weeks
• You can spread the influenza virus to others before you even show any symptoms
• Each year in BC, hundreds of people die from influenza or complications from influenza, such as pneumonia
• Influenza in people 65 years of age and older, and in other high risk groups, can lead to more serious health concerns
• Influenza season is usually from November to April
• For more information about influenza go to: Facts About the Flu (12b)
• More stories with Faces of Influenza.