Government of Prince Edward Island

10/08/2021 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/08/2021 07:47

Islanders encouraged to get their flu shots

Islanders are encouraged to take time this flu season to get their flu shot to help protect themselves and their loved ones.

The flu vaccine will be distributed free of charge throughout the province beginning next week at public health clinics, pharmacies, and nurse practitioners' and physicians' offices. Those 65 years and over are recommended to receive the influenza High-Dose Vaccine, which is also free at public health community flu vaccination clinics and community pharmacies. FluMist intranasal vaccine, an option for those two to 17 years of age, will be available only at public health community flu vaccination clinics.

"I am extremely pleased that we are again offering the influenza vaccine, including the high-dose influenza vaccine for seniors, free of charge across the province. Getting a flu shot is a quick and simple way to protect ourselves, our families and our communities from getting sick this flu season."

- Health and Wellness Minister Ernie Hudson

Receiving a COVID-19 vaccination does not affect a person's ability to receive the influenza vaccine. Islanders can receive the two vaccinations together or within any time frame of one another.

Public health will offer influenza vaccines by appointment only starting October 12, 2021. Visit the Flu Vaccination Clinics website for booking information and clinic locations.

Community flu vaccination clinics will be offered in Souris, Montague, Charlottetown, Summerside and O'Leary. Individuals are required to wear a non-medical mask to appointments, and they should bring their provincial health card if they have one.

Pharmacies are operating on a drop-in basis and appointments are not required.

"Many of the public health measures we have become very familiar with throughout the pandemic, such as washing hands frequently and getting vaccinated are also very important when it comes to protecting yourself from getting the flu or spreading the flu to those around you," said Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Heather Morrison. "Islanders are encouraged to protect themselves and get immunized, especially those who are at a higher risk of becoming seriously ill from influenza, including young children, elderly people, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems or other chronic health conditions. This is yet another extraordinary flu season due to the potential co-infection of influenza and COVID-19 and I encourage all Islanders to get vaccinated."

There are many vaccines recommended for adults. All Islanders over the age of 65 should also get a once-time dose of pneumococcal (Pneu-P-23) vaccine. It helps protect against pneumococcal disease including a serious type of pneumonia, blood infections, and meningitis. Islanders can take the adult immunization self-assessment tool anytime at PEI Adult Immunization Screening Tool to find out what other vaccines they may need.

In addition to getting a flu shot, Islanders should practice the three C's to limit the spread of any respiratory illness:

  • Clean - properly wash your hands frequently;
  • Cover - cover your cough and sneeze; and
  • Contain - contain your germs by staying home if you are sick.

Media contact:
Samantha Hughes
Department of Health and Wellness
[email protected]

Backgrounder

About influenza
Influenza, also known as the flu, affects the airways and the lungs. It spreads easily through coughing and sneezing, or by touching things that have been contaminated by the virus and then touching your mouth, eyes or nose. It can sometimes cause severe illness or even death.

Why get vaccinated against influenza?
Seasonal influenza (flu) is a highly contagious virus. Even healthy people can get very sick from the flu and spread it to others. Vaccination is the single most effective way of lowering your risk of getting the flu. When you get your flu shot, you protect yourself, your family and your community.

The flu can lead to serious complications for individuals with pre-existing illness (cancer, COPD or asthma), the very young and the elderly. Complications may include pneumonia, hospitalization, and death.

Individuals with symptoms of acute respiratory infection, including minor symptoms such as sore throat or runny nose, should defer influenza immunization until they have recovered, as they can pose an unnecessary risk to others and healthcare providers if they have COVID-19. Those who are self-isolating should defer vaccination for influenza until they are no longer required to isolate.

What is the flu shot?
The World Health Organization (WHO) determines the most likely flu virus strains to be circulating in the upcoming flu season. The vaccine is then manufactured to protect against these strains. Because the flu shot contains particles of inactivated (dead) flu virus, you cannot get influenza from the flu shot.

This year's flu vaccine offers protection against 4 strains of influenza viruses specified by the World Health Organization: 2 strains of influenza A and 2 strains of influenza B.

The following influenza vaccines will be made available to immunizers for the 2020-2021 influenza season for the following indications:

  1. QIV injectable inactivated quadravalent vaccine for both adults and children (6 months of age and older)
  2. HD QIV for all adults 65+
  3. Flumist QIV is for children 2 to 17 years of age and is available at Public health Nursing and some physician offices.

How does it work?
The flu shot protects against four strains of influenza viruses that experts anticipate will circulate during the influenza season. It does this by stimulating your immune system to build up antibodies against the viruses, making it stronger so that it's ready to fight off the illness before it starts. Seasonal influenza vaccine is effective at lowering the risk of influenza illness and hospitalization depending on the age and health status of the person receiving the vaccine.

Why should I get it early in the season?
Getting your flu shot early in the season lets your immune system build up antibodies sooner, so it's ready when flu season starts. It can take up to two weeks for antibodies to build up after you get the shot.

Who should get it?
The flu shot is recommended for everyone over six months of age. It's especially important for:

  • people with weakened immune systems
  • those who have a chronic illness, including asthma or are morbidly obese
  • residents of long-term care
  • young children
  • pregnant women
  • those aged 65 and over
  • people who identify as Indigenous
  • anyone who takes care of people in these groups

To reduce the risk of severe illness that could potentially arise from co-infection with COVID-19 and influenza, individuals who fall into the following groups are also particularly recommended to receive the influenza vaccine this fall:

  • people at high risk of COVID-19 related illness
  • people capable of transmitting influenza to those at high risk of severe and critical illness related to COVID-19

What are the potential side effects?
The most common side effect from a flu shot is soreness at the injection site. It is usually temporary and rarely interferes with normal activities.

What are the symptoms of Influenza?
Influenza symptoms can include sudden onset of fever, headache, muscle pain, runny nose, sore throat, extreme tiredness, and cough. Children may also experience nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Symptoms can begin about one to four days after a person is first exposed to the influenza virus. Fever and other symptoms may last up to seven to ten days, with the cough and weakness lasting up to two more weeks.

Where can Islanders receive the flu shot?

  • Health PEI Public Health Nursing clinics (schedule of clinics is available online at Flu Vaccination Clinics)
  • Family physicians' and nurse practitioners' offices
  • Various pharmacies

Is there a charge for getting the flu shot?
No. The flu shot is free for everyone living in PEI. The government of Prince Edward Island covers both the cost of the medication and the administrative fee.