Should I get a seasonal flu shot?

You may be thinking about getting vaccinated against the flu this year. Considering that 10% to 25% of Canadians will be affected by the influenza virus each year, that's not a bad idea.

Canada's National Advisory Committee on Immunization advises all Canadians over age 6 months to get a flu shot. That's because vaccination is one of the most effective preventive measures you could take. And with the "shot in the arm" that a vaccine can give, you're less likely to be one of the 20,000 hospitalizations or 4,000 deaths blamed on the flu each year.

Still, you may be unsure. Perhaps answers to a few questions might make your decision easier:

Should I be vaccinated against the seasonal flu this year? Probably yes - unless you happen to be 6 months of age or younger, are allergic to chicken eggs (the vaccine is grown in eggs), or have had severe reactions to the vaccination in the past. If none of those apply to you, you should definitely be vaccinated if you fall into particular risk categories:

• young children between 6 and 23 months of age
• people who are 65 or older
• pregnant women
• anyone with chronic diseases such as heart or lung disease, kidney disease, diabetes, anemia, cancer, or HIV or other immune-suppression diseases
• those who live in a nursing home or care facility
• caregivers and health care workers
• those at high risk of complications who travel to areas where flu virus is circulating

Does the seasonal flu vaccine really work? About 70% to 90% of healthy people who get a flu shot will be protected from the virus. Those who still get the flu usually get milder symptoms. After being injected with the vaccine, it can take a couple of weeks to take effect. If you catch a flu virus in that wait period you won't be protected.

When should I get vaccinated? You could get a flu shot at any time during flu season between November and April. But because of the time needed for the vaccine to take effect, you should get the vaccination early before the peak infection time. Ask your health care provider when is the best time for you to get the seasonal flu shot.

How much will I have to pay for a seasonal flu shot? Ontario and Alberta offer all their residents aged 6 months or older free vaccines. If you do not live in these provinces, check with your doctor to determine whether you are eligible for a free flu shot. In most doctors' offices and clinics, flu shots will cost about $10 to $15.

Is there any risk involved in getting a seasonal flu shot? The benefits of prevention outweigh the risks with a flu shot. Rarely, people will experience allergic reaction. More often, they will experience no side effects or perhaps soreness, redness, or swelling at the spot where the shot was given. Contrary to myth, a flu shot cannot cause the flu, since it never contains any live virus.

Will I need to be vaccinated against new strains of flu, like the H1N1 virus? In the flu season of 2009-2010, Canadians are facing a double or even triple shot of protection: One vaccination will address the usual strains of seasonal flu and one - or two - will combat the new H1N1 (human swine flu) variant of the virus. The high risk groups for H1N1 are different from the regular seasonal flu and scientists are narrowing in on identifying the right people to get the vaccine. Currently, Health Canada is recommending the H1N1 shot for pregnant women, people with chronic diseases, health care workers, children under the age of five, and people who care for or live in the same house as infants under 6 months old and people with weakened immune systems.

Amy Toffelmire

Updated October 27, 2009