About the Flu |
2009 Flu Clinic Schedule |
- H1N1 Flu Shot
- Who Should Get the H1N1 Flu Shot First?
- Seasonal Flu Shot
- Vaccine Safety
- What is the flu?
- Symptoms
- Prevention
The H1N1 flu shot will be available at no charge to all Manitobans and enough vaccine has been ordered for everyone who needs or wants the shot. Vaccine will arrive in stages and the early clinics will be for Manitobans who should get the shot first.
Fact Sheet-Pandemic H1N1 Influenza Vaccine (H1N1 Flu Shot) with Adjuvant: Product Name: ArepanrixTM
Fact Sheet- Pandemic H1N1 Influenza Vaccine (H1N1 Flu Shot) without Adjuvant: Product Name: Panvax®
2. Who Should Get the H1N1 Flu Shot First ?
- Manitobans over six months and under 18 years of age
- Anyone of Aboriginal ancestry (First Nations, Métis or Inuit)
- Disadvantaged individuals (for example, homeless)
- People living in remote or isolated areas
- People under 65 with a chronic medical condition or other risks including severe obesity, substance abuse or alcoholism
- Anyone with a weakened immune system or those who live with or care for them
- Pregnant women (consult with your doctor about the right type of vaccine to receive)
- Those who live with or care for infants under six months old
- Single parents or anyone solely responsible for a dependent
- Health care workers and medical first responders
Children between six months and under three years old should receive two half doses of adjuvanted vaccine. There should be at least 21 days between the first and second shot.
Children with chronic health conditions who are between three and nine years old should receive their first half dose of the H1N1 flu vaccine as soon as possible. They should also receive a second half dose of the vaccine. There should be at least 21 days between the first and second shot.
Healthy children between three and nine years old should only receive a single half dose of the H1N1 vaccine and do not need to return for a second shot. This recommendation may be updated as more information becomes available.
Please Wait If You Are Not in a Priority Group
If you are not in one of the priority groups listed above, please wait until more vaccine arrives and let those in the priority groups receive their shots now.As more vaccine arrives, the H1N1 shot will be offered at flu shot clinics to other Manitobans who need or want it. Later, it will also be available from family doctors and other health care providers.
All employers are encouraged to identify people who provide services that are critical to meeting the necessities of life and support the daily operation of Manitoba communities, particularly where there are limited numbers of people who can perform those jobs if someone becomes ill. People who work directly with swine and poultry should also consider being vaccinated once additional batches arrive because this can help limit the spread of illness in these animals. Individuals in these groups are encouraged to get an H1N1 flu shot early.
The following people should NOT get the H1N1 flu shot unless it has been recommended by their doctor and can be given under close medical supervision?
- Anyone who has a high fever or who has an uncontrolled bleeding or bruising problem at the time of vaccination
- Infants under six months of age (not licensed for this use)
- People who are hypersensitive (allergic) to eggs (ex. hives, swelling of mouth and/or throat or breathing difficulty)
- People who have had a previous severe allergic reaction to any influenza vaccine or any substance that is in the vaccine
- People who have had Guillain-Barré Syndrome within eight weeks of receiving any vaccine
- People who have had a lab-confirmed case of pandemic H1N1 influenza
- Pregnant women less than 20 weeks along in their pregnancy.
Seasonal flu shot clinics have already been held for Manitobans who are most at risk for seasonal flu. Once H1N1 flu shot clinics start, seasonal flu shots may also be available at these clinics or from your health care provider.
Manitobans 65 and over should also get a pneumococcal shot at the same time as the seasonal flu shot. Most adults only need one pneumococcal shot in their lifetime.
Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent disease. It helps the immune system recognize and control the germs that cause diseases. Vaccines have been used to help protect Manitobans from disease for decades and are now commonly given for seasonal flu, mumps, measles, polio, diphtheria and tetanus. All vaccines go through a federal process that reviews safety and effectiveness data before issuing a licence for use.
Flu shots may cause side effects that usually last for a few days but may last longer. Local reactions are common and normal and may last for a few days including:
- soreness,
- swelling, or
- redness at the injection site.
Other reactions can include fever, chills, headache, feeling tired or myalgia (tenderness or pain in the muscles). Rare side effects can include Guillain-Barré syndrome, a form of paralysis that is usually temporary and is estimated to occur at one in every million vaccinations. Other rare side effects include allergic reactions (which can be life-threatening), severe pain or swelling.
When considering the value of vaccines, it is important to look at risks, benefits and costs. Effective vaccination programs in Canada and around the world have limited the spread of many diseases and provide protection against illnesses that are still very serious or deadly for people.
About the H1N1 flu shot
The H1N1 flu shot has been through a federal process to review its safety and effectiveness. It has been developed to provide protection against H1N1 flu and is not expected to be effective against other seasonal varieties of flu.
Flu shots do not use a live virus to help build immunity so H1N1 flu can't be caught from being vaccinated. Like other flu shots, the H1N1 vaccine can provide protection within approximately two weeks following immunization.
For children 12 months and older and for adults, the H1N1 flu shot is usually given with a needle into the muscle of the upper arm. For infants (six to 11 months of age), the vaccine is usually given in the upper thigh.
As with any medical procedure, the H1N1 flu shot may not be for everyone. The H1N1 flu vaccine is not licensed for infants under six months of age. People who are allergic to eggs or other influenza vaccine components should not be vaccinated. The H1N1 vaccine is also not recommended for anyone who has had a lab-confirmed diagnosis of H1N1 flu.
An unadjuvanted shot is available for pregnant women. Adjuvants are a booster found in many vaccines and are made up of natural ingredients including water, oil and vitamin E. Adjuvants are used in many vaccines in Canada, but have not been used extensively with pregnant women.
All immunizations, including the H1N1 flu shot, are voluntary in Manitoba and given with informed consent. However, it is important to remember that vaccines help protect people from disease and protect others who cannot be immunized because they have certain health conditions.
Seasonal flu facts
- The flu is extremely contagious. It can cause serious illness and death.
- You cannot get the flu from the flu shot - there is no live virus in the vaccine.
- You should also get a pneumococcal shot if you are:
- age 65 and older
- an adult or child with heart or lung disease, or other chronic disease
- Most people only need one pneumococcal shot in their lifetime.
H1N1 flu facts
- H1N1 is a new form of the flu virus and we do not have immunity to this virus. This is why it's called a pandemic flu virus.
- It is a respiratory illness that causes symptoms similar to seasonal flu.
- Cases of H1N1 have been reported around the world, including Canada.
How the flu spreads
- The H1N1 influenza virus is spread exactly like seasonal flu - from one person to another by coughing or sneezing, by hand-to-hand contact with an infected person, or after handling objects contaminated by infected people.
- Germs can also remain on hard surfaces such as countertops and doorknobs. They can be picked up on hands and transmitted to the respiratory system when someone then touches their mouth or nose.
What are the symptoms of the flu?
The flu symptoms include fever over 38°C (100.4°F), cough and any one or more of these common symptoms:
- sore throat
- headache
- joint/muscle aches
- weakness/severe fatigue
You may sometimes feel sick to your stomach, vomit or have diarrhea. Elderly people and people with lowered immunity may not have a fever.
In some cases, people who have the flu will not experience these symptoms. However, they can still spread it to others, especially if they cough or sneeze. It's important for all people to practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette, whether or not they feel ill.
If you have flu symptoms, you should:
- Stay home from school or work until you feel better and limit unnecessary contact with others.
- Contact you nearest health care provider or visit your nearest health care centre if you have risks for severe illness or you are concerned that you may need care - especially if your symptoms are severe or worsening. Early treatment (within 24 to 48 hours) may be very important.
- Go for emergency medical help or call 911 if you or a family member:
- experience shortness of breath or have difficulty breathing
- experience severe or worsening symptoms (eg. increased thirst or a decrease in urination frequency, amount and strength)
- are dehydrated or have not urinated for 12 hours
- are drowsy and confused
- if you have an infant under three months old with a fever
- if there are any serious symptoms or signs of serious illness in a child under five years of age
What you should do
Whether you have flu symptoms or not, you should always:
- Stay home from school or work while you are ill and limit unnecessary contact with others or use a tissue to cover your nose and mouth. Place the tissue in the garbage.
- Cover your cough by coughing into your elbow or sleeve or use a tissue to cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing. Place the tissue in the garbage.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing when soap and water are unavailable, hand sanitizers may be acceptable alternative if hands are not visibly soiled.
- Reduce the spread of germs. Limit touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Maintain your health by taking care of yourself and those in your care. This includes eating a healthy, balance diet, avoiding cigarette smoke and other harmful substances, being active and getting enough rest and sleep.
- Get immunized. Talk to your health care provider to find out whether you should be getting a seasonal and/or H1N1 flu shot.
- Keep common surface areas clean and disinfected. Doorknobs, light switches, telephones, keyboards and other surfaces can become contaminated. Viruses can live on hard surfaces for several hours. Regular cleaning and disinfecting of these surfaces with normal household disinfectants can help.
What about protecting children?
- Children should take the same precautions as adults, including washing their hands regularly and covering their nose and mouth when coughing. Young children may need help with hand washing.
- Children with flu-like symptoms should stay home from school or daycare.
- To avoid the spread of germs, keep surfaces clean in areas where children play.
- For more information see Caring for a Child with a Fever
What should I do if there is a confirmed case in my child's school?
Currently, there is no need to close schools or child care centres. Children who are feeling well do not need to stay home. Children who are ill should stay home until they feel better. Parents across Manitoba will have access to daily online updates about unusual absentee rates at their children's schools and in their school divisions.
What should I do if someone in my workplace has the flu?
H1N1 can be spread anywhere people gather - at home, in the community, or at the workplace. For most people, the risk of being infected at work is no greater than in any other place where people gather.
Being healthy and taking basic steps to prevent infections can help reduce the effects of influenza on individuals and communities.
Should I be wearing a face mask?
Manitoba Health and Healthy Living and the Public Health Agency of Canada do not recommend that healthy people wear masks as they go about their daily routines. There is no evidence that wearing a mask will prevent the spread of infection in the general population. People who are in close contact with someone who is sick with flu, like doctors, nurses and caregivers at home, may be asked to wear a face mask to protect them from the virus.
What is a vaccine?
Vaccines are injections that give you a high level of immunity to a virus. Each time a new virus is discovered, a new vaccine must be developed. The H1N1 flu vaccine is available for free to all who need or want it.
What is an antiviral?
Antivirals are drugs used for early treatment of the flu. If taken soon after a person gets sick (within 48 hours), they can reduce flu symptoms, shorten the length of the illness and potentially reduce serious complications. Antivirals work by reducing a virus's ability to reproduce but they do not provide immunity from the virus.
If I have flu-like illness will I be given antivirals?
The global supply of antivirals is limited and during a pandemic it is possible that stocks may be used up quickly. The current recommendation is to use antivirals to treat only the very sick, or those who are considered to be at high risk. This recommendation may change as we learn more about the new virus.
Is it safe to eat pork?
There have been no reports that the H1N1 virus has been transmitted through food. The usual food handling and cooking practices for all pork products still apply. Pork should be cooked to an internal temperature of 71°C.
For personal health advice call your health care provider
or call Health Links-Info Santé at
788-8200 or 1-888-315-9257
