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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:
     
    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.
    • 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:
    • 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.
    • 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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    Will my child get a flu shot in school? 
    Students in grades 4-12 will receive a flu shot at school. 
     
    More information will soon be posted to the Newfoundland and Labrador English School website. 
     
    Other resources can be found on the provincial government website - www.timefortheshot.ca. 
     
    Learn more:


    Updated Oct 23, 2020
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