Influenza Vaccination (FLU) STANDARD

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Flu viruses are constantly changing, so new vaccines are made each year to protect against the flu viruses that are likely to cause the most illness. Also, the protection provided by flu vaccination wears off over time. Your flu vaccine will protect against flu all season, but you will need a vaccine again next flu season for the best protection against the flu. Ensure to get it every year! ➤ 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. ➤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 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 diseases 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.