Influenza (Flu) Vaccine
On This Page:
What Is Flu?
What Is the Flu Shot?
Who Should Get a Flu Shot?
What Type of Flu Vaccines are Available?
How Does the Flu Spread?
Do I Need a Flu Vaccination Every Year?
Where Can I Get a Flu Vaccine?
What Is Flu?
Influenza, or the flu, is a viral infection that spreads from person-to-person. Over 200,000 people are hospitalized and 35,000 people die from the flu each year.
Because many illnesses have the same symptoms as influenza, misdiagnosis is common. Only infections by the influenza virus are cases of the flu.
The PHAC, WHO and other health organizations recommend everyone over the age of six months get an annual flu vaccination.
What Is the Flu Shot?
The flu shot, or influenza vaccination, provides the best form of protection against the flu.
Who Should Get a Flu Shot?
Everyone over six months old should receive an annual flu vaccination. There are some exceptions can include:
- Children younger than six months old
- Those with allergies to ingredients of the flu shot
- Individuals with egg allergies
- People who have had Guillain-Barre Syndrome
If you fall under these categories, be sure to speak with a health specialist about your vaccination options.
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Influnza Vaccination
“I was supposed to be here at 2:15 pm but the sky train was delayed due to some maintenance making it a sore afternoon but finally got here by 2:20 pm. I had a short consultation then a flu and hepatitis A vaccine lighter than the tap of a feather by the wonderful practitioner RN. I was out and about in less than 20 minutes.”
“I was at the downtown clinic in Calgary, AB to get my yellow fever and flu shots. The nurse was most professional. It was good to see her again. She did a great job in my overall assessment for my trip.”
“Went only for a super flu shot, not travelling . Service was quick, efficient & professional, a pleasant experience overall.”
“I searched for a travel clinic nearby and this one came up after some comparisons, they open times were what sold me (early evening – booked for 7 pm). The online tool worked well and was quick to work through. We completed the survey prior to arriving and the person conducting the consult had all the relevant information and reference guides for us when we arrived at our scheduled time. The employee was courteous and polite and answered all the questions we had. Added bonus was being able to get a flu vaccination right there after the consult.”
“Very complete experience. I felt confident that the information I was receiving was correct. A one stop shopping experience as I was able to get my flu shot at the same time.”
What Type of Flu Vaccines are Available?
Healthcare companies have worked hard to provide the widest variety of vaccinations for each type of need. Available flu vaccination options include:
- Quadrivalent Flu Vaccination – Standard flu vaccination that most individuals receive annually.
- High Dose Vaccination – Vaccination designed specifically for seniors.
To receive your flu vaccine, call or book online today!
How Does the Flu Spread?
Influenza spreads when an infected person coughs, sneezes or even talks. Droplets can land up to six feet away and be inhaled by others.
Individuals are contagious one day before symptoms are present and up to seven days after becoming sick. Children are able to spread the infection for longer than seven days.
It is possible to catch the virus without presenting symptoms. In these cases, the person can still be contagious.
Be sure to wash hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water. Clothing, bedding, utensils and dishes used by an infected person should not be shared. Regularly clean common or frequently touched surfaces.
Do I Need a Flu Vaccination Every Year?
Unlike many other viruses, influenza changes quickly. Where a disease like yellow fever has changed little in fifty years, the flu changes regularly. This means vaccinations must be updated to match common flu strains in circulation.
But, those old strains don’t disappear. Because of these shifts and resilience, its important to receive a flu shot every year.
Where Can I Get a Flu Vaccine?
Passport Health locations keep a variety of flu vaccinations in-stock for clients. Call or book online now to make sure you stay flu free!
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