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Influenza: What You Need to Know

Getting a flu shot is important every year. This year, it is particularly important given the COVID-19 pandemic. The flu shot will help to reduce the spread of influenza in our communities. It will also help to reduce the impact on the health-care system in the event of a potential surge of COVID-19 cases. 

This year, there will be no walk-in clinics. You must have an appointment prior to attending clinic. Walk-ins will not be facilitated.
 
Click here to book your Flu Shot appointment online Call 1-833-951-3904 (toll-free) to book your Flu Shot appointment
 
The FAQs below provide more information about influenza, the vaccine, and how you and your family can safely get vaccinated this year.
     

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    About Influenza 
     
    What is Influenza (“The Flu”)? 
    The Influenza virus, commonly known as “the Flu,” is an infection of the airways caused by the Influenza virus.
     
    What can the flu do to you?
    The flu can make people very sick. Each year, hundreds of Canadians die from the flu, and thousands are hospitalized. The flu can worsen chronic medical conditions, including diabetes and heart disease, and can lead to illnesses like pneumonia. 
     
    Symptoms of the flu typically include:
    • Headache
    • Chills
    • Rapid onset of cough, fever, body aches and pains
     
    While most people recover fully from the flu, it may lead to more severe and life-threatening complications such as pneumonia or even death.
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    Is Influenza the same as COVID-19? 
    No. Influenza and COVID-19 are caused by different viruses. 
     
    It can be difficult to differentiate between the flu and COVID-19 because they share many common symptoms, including fever, cough, and sore throat. The best way to determine a COVID-19 diagnosis is to get tested. 
     
    If you are ill, stay home and please complete a self-assessment. 
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    How does the flu spread?
    The flu can be transmitted directly or indirectly, meaning individuals can contract the flu from an infected person (coughing or sneezing) or from touching contaminated hands, surfaces, and objects. 
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    When is the best time to get the flu shot? 
     
    It is recommended to get the flu vaccine in the fall or early winter to give your body time to build up immunity before ‘the flu’ begins to circulate.
    Who needs the flu shot? Should I get it more than once in my life?
     
    Everyone above the age of six months should get the flu shot annually, particularly those who are considered high-risk, even if they’ve gotten it in a previous year. The flu virus changes every year, which means the vaccine does too. 
     
    Children under nine who are receiving the flu vaccine for the first time will require two doses at least four weeks apart.
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    Who is considered high-risk? 
     
    People at high risk of influenza-related complications or hospitalization:
    • All pregnant women
    • Adults and children with the following chronic health conditions:
      • Cardiac or pulmonary disorders (includes bronchopulmonary dysplasia, cystic fibrosis and asthma)
      • Diabetes mellitus and other metabolic diseases
      • Cancer, immune compromising conditions (due to underlying disease, therapy or both, such as solid organ transplant or hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients)
      • Renal disease
      • Anemia or hemoglobinopathy
      • Neurologic or neurodevelopmental conditions (includes neuromuscular, neurovascular, neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental conditions and seizure disorders [for children, includes febrile seizures and isolated developmental delay], but excludes migraines and psychiatric conditions without neurological conditions)
      • Morbid obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 40 and over)
    • Children six months to 18 years of age undergoing treatment for long periods with acetylsalicylic acid, because of the potential increase of Reye’s syndrome associated with influenza
    • People of any age who are residents of nursing homes and other chronic care facilities
    • Adults 65 years of age and older
    • All children 6–59 months of age
    • Indigenous people
    People capable of transmitting influenza to those at high risk:
    • Health care and other care providers in facilities and community settings who, through their activities, are capable of transmitting influenza to those at high risk
    • Household contacts, both adults and children, of individuals at high risk, whether or not the individual at high risk has been vaccinated, including:
    • Household contacts of individuals at high risk
    • Household contacts of infants less than six months of age, as these infants are at high risk but cannot receive influenza vaccine
    • Members of a household expecting a newborn during the influenza season
    • Those providing regular child-care services to children 0–59 months of age, whether in or out of the home
    • Those who provide services within closed or relatively closed settings to people at high risk (e.g. crew on a ship)
     
    Others:
    • People who provide essential community services
    • People who are in direct contact with poultry infected with avian influenza during culling operations
     
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    Do I need the flu shot if I am healthy/have never had the flu?
    Yes! Healthy people can get the flu too – even if they’ve never had it before. They can also pass the flu virus on to high-risk individuals without ever knowing. 
     
    Will the flu shot protect me from COVID-19?
    No. Influenza and COVID-19 are caused by different viruses. 
     
    While the flu shot will not protect against COVID-19, it will help reduce your risk of getting the flu and COVID-19 at the same time. Having both illnesses at the same time could put you at a higher risk for severe illness.  
     
    Getting your annual flu shot is also an important way to help protect yourself, your family and vulnerable people in your community against seasonal flu. It will also help to reduce the impact on the health care system in the event of a potential surge of COVID-19 cases.
     
    Getting the flu shot will not increase your risk of illness from COVID-19.
     
    More information about COVID-19 symptoms.
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    Does the flu shot work?
    Yes! The flu shot is the most effective way of protecting yourself and others from influenza. If you have gotten the flu shot and still contract the flu, symptoms will be mild.
     
    Will the flu shot give me the flu? 
    No! The flu shot does not carry live viruses and cannot give you the flu. 
     
    Some people may experience minor symptoms including a sore arm and/or muscle aches, but these should go away after a day or two. 
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    Are there any side effects? 
    The flu shot is safe, and most people have little to no reaction to it. Some people may experience a sore arm or mild side effects including headache, fever, and chills. Side effects, if any, last for 1-2 days. Severe side effects are very rare.
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    Is there a high-dose vaccine available?
    High-dose vaccine is available for residents of long-term care and personal care homes (64+) only.
     
    How can I avoid getting the flu? 
    The flu shot is the most effective way to avoid getting the flu. 
     
    In addition, please wear a mask, maintain a safe distance from others, wash your hands frequently, cover your cough/sneeze, and keep common surface areas (ex. door handles) clean.
     
    If you are ill, stay home and please complete a self-assessment. 
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    Will wearing a mask protect me from the flu? 
    When worn properly, a person wearing a mask may reduce the spread of their respiratory droplets. 
     
    Wearing a mask, combined with physical distancing and good hand hygiene, is important for protecting yourself and those around you from the spread of respiratory illnesses, including Influenza and COVID-19.
      
    However, the flu shot is the most effective way of protecting yourself and others from influenza.
     
     
    If I wear a mask, physical distance, and practice good hand hygiene, do I still need a flu shot? 
    Yes, everyone above six months of age should get a flu shot. The flu shot is still the most effective way to protect yourself and others from influenza. This year, it is more important than ever. 
     
    A combination of getting your flu shot, wearing a mask, maintaining a safe distance from others, washing your hands frequently, covering your cough/sneeze, and keeping common surface areas (ex. door handles) clean will help protect you and others from influenza. 
     
    Reducing the spread of influenza in our communities will also help to reduce the impact on the health care system in the event of a potential surge of COVID-19 cases. 
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    Isn’t the Flu just a bad cold? What’s the difference?
    No! The flu is much more severe and is the result of a different virus. The flu can also lead to more severe illnesses like pneumonia. 
     
    Flu symptoms may include fever, chills, fatigue, body aches, and a stuffy nose, and can last for over a week. The flu can result in hospitalization and even death.
     
    Can I still get the flu shot if I am allergic to eggs? 
    The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) has determined that the flu vaccine is safe for individuals with egg allergies.
     
    Logistics:

    Videos
     
    FAQ Sheet
     
    Please note: When using the online booking tool, Health Myself, the preferred browser is Google Chrome. 
     
     
    When can I get the flu shot this year?
    Eastern Health will begin offering flu shots on October 21, 2020. Clinics are by appointment only and can be booked through Health Myself, an online booking tool.
     
    Some family doctors and pharmacies are also offering free flu vaccines this year. Contact your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
     
    Other resources can be found on the provincial government website - www.timefortheshot.ca. 
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    Are there any walk-in clinics? 
    There are no walk-in clinics.
     
    Due to physical distancing requirements and other safety precautions associated with COVID-19. Eastern Health’s flu clinics are by appointment only this year.
     
    In addition, traditional flu clinic locations may have changed to observe physical distancing requirements and other public health measures. 
     
    Vaccination times can be booked through Health Myself, an online booking tool.
     
    Health Myself requires an individual booking for each person.
     
    Where can I find flu clinic schedules? 
    Flu clinic schedules are available in Health Myself.
     
    Health Myself requires an individual booking for each person.
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    How do I book my flu shot? 
    You can book via a new online tool, Health Myself, which has been introduced to manage schedules, appointment bookings, and appointment reminders. 
     
    Health Myself requires an individual booking for each person.
     
    The booking process is as follows: 
    • Book up to 30 days in advance using Health Myself. 
    • Children between six months and nine years of age who are receiving the vaccine for the first time will require two doses, at least four weeks apart. Parents will be advised at their first appointment if their child requires a 2nd dose The second dose can be booked up to 30 days in advance via Health Myself or via the Provincial Flu Clinic Line at 1-833-951-3904.
    • Health Myself will ask you for your information (name, date of birth, MCP, etc.) and allow you to choose an appointment time that works for you.
    • An individual booking will be required for each person.
    • Once you have booked your appointment, you will receive email confirmation. You will also receive an email reminder 48 hours prior to your appointment.
    Things to consider before your flu shot appointment:
    • Wear a short-sleeved shirt.
    • Bring your MCP Card. 
    • Wear a mask. (Vented masks are not permitted).
    • Practice physical distancing. 
    • Please be patient and kind when visiting an Eastern Health flu shot clinic in this new COVID-19 environment. The process is new to us too.
    When you get your flu shot...  
    • Arrive at the location no more than ten minutes prior to your appointment. 
    • Follow the directions of staff and signage. Don’t forget to wear your mask and maintain physical distancing! The use of vented masks is not permitted. 
    • Once you receive your vaccination, you will be directed back to your vehicle with further instructions. 
      • those without a personal vehicle will be provided a place to wait inside after vaccination. 
    I am unable to book an appointment online. How can I get my flu shot? 
    If you are unable to book an appointment online, please call the Provincial Flu Clinic Line at 1-833-951-3904 (toll-free). Staff on the line will help you book your appointment. 
     
    There are no walk-in clinics. You must have an appointment prior to attending clinic. Walk-ins will not be accepted.
     
    An individual booking will be required for each person.
     
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    How do I cancel an appointment?
    If you have used the Health Myself portal to book an appointment, and completed your account registration, you would have received an email to access the login page. From the login page, you can use your email address and password to log into your account and cancel your appointment.
     
    If you did not use Health Myself, did not complete account registration, or did not receive a confirmation email, please call the Provincial Flu Clinic Line at 1-833-951-3904 (toll-free). Staff on the line will help you cancel and re-book your appointment.
     
    Where possible, please allow at least 48 hours’ notice. 
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    What is being done to prevent the spread of COVID-19 at the flu clinics?
    • Flu vaccine clinics are by appointment-only this year. This is to limit the number of people in the clinic at one time and to adhere to physical distancing requirements. 
    • All individuals coming to clinic will wait in their cars for 15 minutes after being vaccinated, rather than waiting inside the clinic.
      • those without a personal vehicle will be provided a place to wait inside after vaccination which will comply with public health guidelines.
    • All staff will wear face masks. 
    • All individuals over the age of five must wear a mask in the clinic, unless they have a medical condition that prevents them from doing so. Vented masks are not permitted.
    • Cleaning between each client and other safety protocols are in place.
    • Larger, consistent clinic spaces have been chosen to observe physical distancing requirements and other public health measures.  
    To learn more about COVID-19, visit https://www.gov.nl.ca/COVID-19/.
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    School Flu Shots
     
    Why should my child get the flu vaccine?
    The flu vaccine will protect your child from getting the flu and from potential complications related to the flu. 
     
    It will also help reduce your child’s risk of getting the flu and COVID-19 at the same time. Having both illnesses at the same time could put your child at a higher risk for severe illness.  
     
    Getting the annual flu shot is also an important way to help protect your child, your family and vulnerable people in your community against seasonal flu.
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    How does the vaccine work?
    Vaccines protect people from disease by putting a portion of a bacteria or weakened virus into the body to trigger an immune response, just as though you had been exposed to a disease naturally.
     
    The bacteria or virus in a vaccine won’t make you sick. Instead, the vaccine prepares your body with antibodies that act as a defense to protect you against the disease and the potential complications that can be caused by that disease.
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    Why is the flu vaccine being offered at school?
    The flu vaccine is being offered at school this year to help improve access to flu vaccination.
     
    The goal is to vaccinate 85 per cent of the population because the more people who get vaccinated, the more it reduces the spread of influenza in our communities. 
     
    Flu vaccination will also help to reduce the impact on the health-care system in the event of a potential surge of COVID-19 cases.   
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    Who is eligible to receive the vaccine at school? 
    Students from grades 4-12 and school staff will be offered the flu vaccine at school if they are present during the school’s assigned time for vaccination. 
     

    My child has already received the flu vaccine. What do I do?
    Do NOT return the consent form if your child has already been given the flu vaccine.
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    Can I come to the school to be vaccinated with my child? 
    No. Parents and guardians will not be offered flu vaccine in schools. You are encouraged to make an appointment to receive the flu vaccine at a public flu clinic.  
     
    Public flu clinics are by appointment only. More information can be found on: www.timefortheshot.ca.   
     
    Some family doctors and pharmacies are also offering free flu vaccine this year.
     
    Contact your doctor or pharmacist for more information. 
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    Can I come to the school to support my child? 
    Due to COVID-19 restrictions, parents are not permitted to enter the school. If your child requires support, please visit a public flu clinic for the flu vaccine.
     
    Public flu clinics are by appointment only. More information can be found on: www.timefortheshot.ca.   
     
    Some family doctors and pharmacies are also offering free flu vaccine this year.
     
    Contact your doctor or pharmacist for more information. 
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    How can I prepare my child for vaccination at school?
     
    Younger Students
    In general, children should be informed about the vaccine shortly before they are to receive it. Some children will need more time than others to think about this information.
     
    You know your child best, however: 
    • try to be calm even though you may be nervous about your child's vaccination. Your child is very sensitive to your emotions. 
    • speak in an even, soft tone of voice.
    • answer questions honestly and choose words that lessen anxiety - for example, "you may feel pressure, squeezing, or poking," instead of words like "pain, hurt, or sting."
    • you could say, "you need the vaccine to stay healthy. The medicine will be put in your arm with a needle. You will feel a quick poke."
    • do not give false reassurance, such as "it won't hurt." 
    • your child is sensitive to your language and tone. If you speak positively about vaccines, your child is more likely to feel positive about it as well.
     
    Students 16 years and older
    When your child reaches age 16, they have the legal right to consent to or refuse a vaccine. They can sign their own consent form or you may sign the consent form for them, however they still have the right to refuse the vaccine at school. 
     
    Talk with your adolescent child about the flu vaccine.
    • Stress the importance of protecting themselves and their families against flu. 
    • Answer questions honestly and direct them to creditable health information, like Teens, Meet Vaccines (Health Canada).  
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    Is it safe for my child to receive the flu vaccine in school? 
    Yes, the public health staff will follow recommended COVID-19 precautions. 
     
    Your child will be vaccinated with their cohort* where possible. Cleaning will be done between cohorts and groups being vaccinated. Please ensure your child has a mask.  
     
    * A cohort is a group of students and staff who remain together.
     
    Flu vaccine is safe and does not interfere with routine school vaccinations. Flu vaccine does NOT protect against COVID-19 and will not reduce the chance of your child getting COVID 19, however it will help reduce the risk of getting the flu and COVID-19 at the same time.
     
    Having both illnesses at the same time could put your child at a higher risk for severe illness. 
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    How are consents being sent to parents/legal guardians? 
    A paper consent form has been sent home with your child for you to review and sign.
     
    If you did not receive a consent form, please download this printable copy
     

    Who signs the consent form? 
    Only the parent/legal guardian of a child can sign the consent form. A student aged 16 and older may sign their own consent, as well, they have the legal right to refuse vaccination.
     
    Legal consent must be signed in ink. 

    When do I return the consent form? 
    Please return the completed consent form immediately to your child’s teacher. 
     
    Do NOT sign the consent if your child has had the flu vaccine at another location this season. 
     
    If your child does not return a completed consent form, they will not receive a vaccination at school. The public flu clinics will be available to you. Public flu clinics are by appointment only.
     
    More information can be found at: www.timefortheshot.ca.   
     
    Some family doctors and pharmacies are also offering free flu vaccine this year.
     
    Contact your doctor or pharmacist for more information. 
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    What if my child is unwell on my school’s scheduled times? 
    Please complete the COVID-19 self-screening questionnaire before sending your child to school. If your child has symptoms, please keep your child at home. The public flu clinics will be available to you once you are symptom free. 
     
    Public flu clinics are by appointment only. More information can be found at: www.timefortheshot.ca.   
     
    Some family doctors and pharmacies are also offering free flu vaccine this year.
     
    Contact your doctor or pharmacist for more information. 
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    What should my child wear to school on the scheduled vaccination time?  
    Flu vaccine this year will be administered via injection in the arm. Please have your child wear a shirt with short sleeves that can be moved up and over the shoulder joint, (e.g. stretchy fabric shirt with short/no sleeve; t-shirt).
     
    Please ensure your child has their mask. 
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    If a student or staff member is absent on the scheduled vaccination day(s), when/where do they receive the flu vaccine? 
    Those who are absent for any reason on their scheduled vaccination day(s) are encouraged to book an appointment at the public flu clinic at a later date.
     
    Public flu clinics are by appointment only. More information can be found on: www.timefortheshot.ca.   
     
    Some family doctors and pharmacies are also offering free flu vaccine this year.
     
    Contact your doctor or pharmacist for more information. 
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    Can I take my child to their sibling’s school for vaccination? 
    No, only those children enrolled in that specific school are eligible to receive vaccine on the assigned time.
     

    How will I know if my child needs a second dose? Where will they get it? 
    Children between six months and under nine years of age who are receiving the vaccination for the first time will require two doses, at least four weeks apart. 
     
    These children will be provided with written direction to make an appointment at a public flu clinic at least four weeks after their first dose. 
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    How will I know that my child received the vaccine? 
    An after-vaccination information sheet will be sent home with your child which will provide information on possible side effects. There will be a contact number if you have any questions or concerns. 
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    Learn more:


    Updated Nov 6, 2020
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