Publisher's Note

Publisher’s Note
by CK May is the month of flowers not just in the Philippines but also here in Calgary. A lot of my neighbors have done their spring cleaning and unfortunately I cannot cope up with them. I remember that during this time of the year my husband, Hank gets busier day by day. He takes care [...]
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Page added on November 28, 2012

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Influenza Vaccine

What is influenza? Influenza is an infection of the respiratory tract (nose, throat, lungs) that is caused by a virus. Influenza can occur at any time during the year but most cases occur in the winter months.

How is influenza spread? Influenza is spread through the air. The virus gets into the air when someone with the disease coughs, sneezes or even talks. People who breathe in the virus can become sick. It can also be spread by touching objects that have been coughed or sneezed upon by someone with the virus.

What are the symptoms of influenza? The symptoms of influenza are: fever of 38.5°C (101.3°F) or higher that starts suddenly, cough, headache, muscle aches, loss of appetite and feeling tired.

How can influenza disease be prevented?

Get the influenza vaccine. Influenza vaccine is a very effective way of protecting people from becoming sick with influenza. The immunization is needed every year because the influenza viruses change. A new vaccine is made each year to protect against the viruses most likely to cause illness in that year. The best time to be immunized is in October or November; however, people can be immunized at any time in the influenza season.

Wash your hands with soap and water or clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that has alcohol in it.

Cover your mouth and nose with your arm or a tissue when coughing or sneezing.

Stay home and rest when you are sick.

Who should get influenza vaccine?

All Albertans 6 months and older should receive influenza vaccine. Influenza vaccine is especially important for people who are at a higher risk of developing complications from influenza. It is also important to immunize people who are able to spread influenza to those who are at high risk of influenza-related complications such as health care providers and other caregivers.

What influenza vaccines are available in Alberta?

There are two types of influenza vaccine available in Alberta: an inactivated (killed) injectable vaccine and a live nasal spray vaccine.

Who should not have influenza vaccine?

Inactivated influenza vaccine should not be given to people who:

have a history of severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to influenza vaccine or any other part of the influenza vaccine
have had a severe reaction to influenza vaccine in the past (e.g., trouble breathing)
are under 6 months of age (the inactivated influenza vaccine is not licensed for this group)

People with an egg allergy should talk to a public health nurse or their doctor before they have influenza vaccine.

Live influenza vaccine should not be given to people who:

have a history of severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to influenza vaccine or any other part of the influenza vaccine
have had a severe reaction to influenza vaccine in the past (e.g., trouble breathing)
are younger than 2 years or older than 59 years of age
have severe asthma
have weak immune systems
are pregnant
have an egg allergy
have received a live vaccine in the past 4 weeks
are 2 years up to and including 17 years of age on aspirin or aspirin-containing therapy
are health care workers or caregivers who work with people with weak immune systems

You, your child or your dependent will be immunized with the influenza vaccine that is best for you based on the above information. If you don’t want to have a certain type of influenza vaccine, please speak to your health care provider.

What are the possible side effects to the influenza vaccine?

As with any immunization, unexpected or unusual side effects can happen. This includes severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).

What should I do if I have a reaction to the influenza vaccine?

Use an ice pack or a cool moist cloth on the area where the needle was given to reduce the pain and swelling.
Take a medication such as acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol™) to reduce the pain, fever, or discomfort. Aspirin® (ASA) is not recommended for children. Do not give ASA for 4 weeks after live influenza vaccine to children under 18 years of age.
Report any of the unusual reactions described above to Health Link Alberta.

Where can I get the influenza immunization?

Drop-in clinics for influenza immunization are held each year in the fall at Health Centres and community sites throughout the province. Dates and locations of the drop-in clinics are announced through local newspapers. Information is also posted online at www.albertahealthservices.ca. Influenza vaccine is also available through many doctors’ offices, outpatient medical clinics or community pharmacists.

To learn more, contact your doctor or speak to a nurse 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling: Alberta Health Link toll free at 1-866-408-LINK (5465). Mandarin Health Link Calgary at 403-943-1554, Cantonese Health Link Calgary at 403-943-1556

Source: Influenza Immunization Program, Alberta Health Services

Calgary Drop-in Immunization Clinics

From October 15^th , 2012 to December 16^th , 2012. Closed on November 11^th , 2012

1. Avenida Village, Suite 303, 12445 LakeFraser Drive SE (Mon-Thu 11:30am – 7:00pm, Fri-Sun 9:30am – 5:00pm)

2. Brentwood Village Mall, Suite 302, 3630 Brentwood Road NW (Mon-Thu 11:30am – 7:00pm, Fri-Sun 9:30am – 5:00pm)

3. CUPS, 1001-10 Ave SW (Oct 15^th -Oct 19^th and Oct 22^nd -Oct 26^th only (Mon-Fri 9:00am – 12:00pm, 1:00pm – 3:30 pm)

4. Northgate, Suite A154 495-36 St NE (Mon-Thu 11:30am – 7:00pm, Fri-Sun 9:30am – 5:00pm)

5. Richmond Road Diagnostic Treatment Centre, 1820 Richmond Road SW (Mon-Thu 11:30am – 7:00pm, Fri-Sun 9:30am – 5:00pm)

6. South Calgary Health Centre, 31 Sunpark Plaza SE (Mon-Thu 11:30am – 7:00pm, Fri-Sun 9:30am – 5:00pm)

Edmonton Drop-in Immunization Clinics

From October 15^th , 2012 to December 16^th , 2012. Closed on November 11^th , 2012

1. Bonnie Doon Shopping Centre, 8330 82 Ave S Edmonton (Mon-Thu 09:00am – 08:00pm, Fri-Sun 09:00am – 4:30pm,

Only until Nov 16th, 2012

2. East Edmonton Health Centre, 7910-112 Ave Edmonton (Mon-Thu 09:00am – 08:00pm, Fri-Sat 09:00am – 4:30pm)

3. Inglewood Community League, 12515-116 Ave Edmonton (Mon-Thu 09:00am – 08:00pm, Fri-Sat 09:00am – 4:30pm)

4. Millbourne Market Mall, 7609 38 Ave Edmonton (Mon-Thu 09:00am – 08:00pm, Fri-Sat 09:00am – 4:30pm)

5. Northgate Health Centre, 9499-137 Ave Edmonton (Mon-Thu 09:00am – 08:00pm, Fri-Sun 09:00am – 4:30pm)

6. Providence Renewal Centre, 3005-119 St Edmonton (Mon-Thu 09:00am – 08:00pm, Fri-Sat 09:00am – 4:30pm)

7. Seventh Street Plaza, 10030-107 St Edmonton, Oct 29^th to Nov 2^nd only (Mon-Fri 09:00am – 4:30pm)

8. Slovenian Hall, 16703-66 St Edmonton (Mon-Thu 09:00am – 08:00pm, Fri-Sat 09:00am – 4:30pm)

9. Westend Seniors Activity Centre, 9629-176 St. Edmonton (Mon-Thu 09:00am – 08:00pm, Fri-Sat 09:00am – 4:30pm)

Influenza Vaccine

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