FLU VACCINE INFORMATION SHEET

Transcription

1 FLU VACCINE INFORMATION SHEET WHAT IS INFLUENZA? HOW IS INFLUENZA TRANSMITTED? WHY DO I NEED A FLU SHOT ANNUALLY? CAN I GET THE FLU FROM THE FLU SHOT? WHO SHOULD RECEIVE THE FLU SHOT? WHO SHOULD NOT RECEIVE THE FLU SHOT? CAN YOU STILL GET COLDS AFTER RECEIVING THE FLU SHOT? Influenza is an acute respiratory infection caused by two viruses, influenza A and influenza B. Outbreaks of influenza occur every winter, often affecting as many as 10%-30% of the population. The usual symptoms are fever, sore throat, coughing, and aching muscles, lasting up to a week. Influenza can also lead to pneumonia especially in older individuals or in people with underlying medical conditions. Influenza viruses are transmitted from infected people by tiny respiratory droplets created by talking, coughing, and sneezing. Infected people are most contagious during the first 48 hours of illness. Every winter different strains of influenza circulate throughout Canada. Each year a new vaccine is manufactured with the flu viruses that are expected to be most widespread. The vaccine is only effective for six months so an annual shot is necessary to stay protected. There is no risk of infection from the influenza vaccine. Anyone who wishes to reduce their chance of contracting influenza and high-risk groups the vaccine is recommended. Please ask your health care provider for details on who is eligible for free influenza vaccine. The vaccine should not be given to anyone with a history of severe allergy to eggs, are ill with an infection/fever, or have an active neurological condition. The flu vaccine does not prevent all colds and upper respiratory tract infections. The current vaccine only protects against three of the most virulent strains of influenza A and B viruses. Therefore, it is still possible for an immunized person to acquire other respiratory viruses that cause the common cold. The primary goal of the influenza vaccination program is to reduce the significant toll of serious illness that occurs every year as a result of true influenza infection. For more information, contact: or

2 AFTER FLU VACCINATION CARE The most common side effects of flu vaccination are local reactions of tenderness and redness at the injection site. This can be treated by applying a cool damp cloth or ice pack at the injection site and if pain is severe enough, taking acetaminophen. You cannot get the flu from the flu vaccine. Some vaccines occasionally cause general side effects such as fever, headache, achiness and fatigue ( flu-like symptoms). These should be treated with acetaminophen and/or rest. In extreme, rare cases, a vaccine may cause a severe allergic reaction which can be potentially life threatening. The majority of these reactions occur within the first few minutes after vaccination. This is the reason why we ask clients to remain at the clinic site for at least fifteen minutes after having their injection. Allergic reactions may also occur at a later interval after vaccination. Symptoms consist of: shortness of breath difficulty breathing swelling around the mouth or of the tongue hoarseness or wheezing widespread severe itchiness Any of these symptoms are a medical emergency and medical help should be sought immediately, preferably at a hospital emergency department. Please remember that any serious reaction to a vaccine should be reported to our clinic. Tel: For your comfort and safety, please remain at the clinic site for next 15 minutes following your vaccination. Head Office Lougheed Hwy, BC Canada V5C 6A7 Tel: (604) Fax: (604) Toll Free: burnaby@tmvc.com Web Site:

3 Head Office Lougheed Hwy, BC Canada V5C 6A7 Tel: (604) Fax: (604) Toll Free: Web Site:

4 FLU IMMUNIZATION CLINIC SIGN UP SHEET Your organization is inviting employees who would like to receive the flu vaccine to participate in an onsite clinic. If you are interested in receiving an influenza vaccination, please sign below NAME (Given) Y/ N

5 Keep yourself HEALTHY in 2013 and 2014! Our Workplace Flu Clinic has been scheduled for: Please do not forget to get your flu shot on this day!

6 TRAVEL MEDICINE & VACCINATION CENTRE Health Profile for Recipients of Seasonal Influenza Vaccine HP06-10 Last Name: First Name: Telephone: (H) (W) Birth date: (m) (d) (y) Age: Sex: M / F Company(if required) Care Card #: DO ANY OF THE FOLLOWING APPLY TO YOU? Yes No Have you ever received an influenza (flu) vaccination in the past? Do you have a history of an anaphylactic (severe allergic) reaction to Eggs, Egg Products? Any severe allergies? Have you ever fainted from having an injection? Have you ever been diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome? Are you currently taking any medication, or have you any chronic-ongoing medical problems? (include past cancer history, i.e. mastectomy? If yes, please explain: If you are pregnant, is your family physician / midwife aware and has given consent to receive this vaccine? Note: BCCDC recommends all pregnant women to receive the flu shot during the flu season. Do you currently have a fever or feel unwell today? The seasonal flu vaccine is generally well tolerated; however, you may experience slight soreness and redness at the injection site that should not interfere with daily activities. Other less common side effects could include a mild fever and muscle aches within 6-12 hours after vaccination; this may last for 1-2 days, Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is recommended for these symptoms. Vaccination is not 100% protective. You can help protect yourself by washing your hands often with soap and water and avoiding contact with people who are ill. The flu virus can survive for a number of days on surfaces or objects that an infected person touches. As with any vaccine there is the rare possibility of an anaphylactic reaction (severe allergic reaction) occurring. This can include hives, wheezy breathing or swelling of any part of the body, throat or face. If any of these symptoms occur please seek the immediate attention of a physician or the nearest hospital emergency department. My signature below signifies that: I have read and understand the information provided to me concerning the seasonal flu vaccine including the risks and benefits. I have the opportunity to have my questions answered and hereby give my consent to receive the seasonal flu vaccine. I give my permission to TMVC to inform my Employer (if so requested) of receiving the seasonal flu vaccine. SIGNATURE: DATE: For Office Use Only **Circle vaccine type, write lot # given, date and sign and include site of administration** Vaccine Given, Dose & Route: Vaxigrip / Vaxigrip pre-drawn 0.5 ml/im Lot #: Site: L / R Date: Nurse Signature: Cash Invoice Cheque Your Personal Information is protected under the B. C. Personal Information Protection Act Sept 2012