Influenza

Everyone 6 months of age and older is recommended to receive an influenza vaccine every year. The influenza vaccine is provided free of charge in the Yukon. 

Influenza vaccination is especially important for people at higher risk of severe illness, including:

• children under 5 years of age;
• adults 65 years of age and older;
• pregnant people;
• residents of long-term care facilities; and
• people with chronic medical conditions, including: 
  • heart disease;
  • lung disease (including asthma);
  • diabetes;
  • kidney disease;
  • neurological conditions; and
  • weakened immune systems.

People who may transmit influenza to those at high risk should also receive the vaccine, including:

• health care workers;
• people who work with vulnerable populations;
• household members of children under 6 months of age; and
• household members of people who cannot be immunized.

Symptoms usually appear 1 to 4 days after exposure. A person with influenza can spread the virus beginning about 1 day before symptoms develop and for up to 5 to 7 days after becoming sick. Young children and people with weakened immune systems may be contagious for longer. Symptoms may include:

• fever;
• cough;
• sore throat;
• runny or stuffy nose;
• headache;
• muscle aches and body pains;
• chills;
• extreme fatigue; and
• loss of appetite.

Children may also experience:

• nausea;
• vomiting; or
• diarrhea.

Influenza can lead to serious complications, including:

• pneumonia;
• ear infections;
• dehydration;
• worsening of chronic medical conditions;
• hospitalization; and
• death in severe cases.

• The influenza vaccine is safe, effective and recommended every year for everyone 6 months of age and older.
• Influenza viruses change from year to year and protection from previous vaccination decreases over time, which is why an influenza vaccine is recommended every fall.
• Several influenza vaccine products are available in Canada. Discuss with your health care provider about which influenza vaccine is right for you.
• Influenza vaccines cannot cause influenza.
• Influenza vaccine can be given at the same time as, or at any time before or after, other vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines.

• The influenza vaccine is safe and effective. 
• Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself against influenza and its complications.
• It lowers your risk of severe illness and hospitalization.
• It helps:
  • prevent complications such as pneumonia;
  • protect people around you; and
  • reduce strain on health care services during respiratory virus season.
• Even if you get influenza after vaccination, your illness is often milder and less likely to result in serious complications.

Common side effects may include: 

• redness, swelling, or soreness at the injection site; 
• mild fever;
• headache; and
• tiredness or muscle aches.

These reactions are usually mild and resolve within 1 to 2 days. 

To manage symptoms: 

• apply a cool, damp cloth to the injection site;
• if needed, use a pain reliever such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), as directed by your health care provider; and
• seek medical advice if symptoms are severe or last longer than 48 hours. 

It's important to stay at the clinic for 15 minutes after getting the vaccine because, although it's very rare, some people might have a severe allergic reaction. The clinic can treat it right away. This happens to less than 1 in a million people. If you have a reaction after leaving, call 911 or your local emergency number.