1 Herd Immunity Herd Immunity Herd immunity protects not only - - PDF document

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Influenza Vaccination

Background

Influenza is also known as the “flu” Contagious respiratory illness which can cause severe illness → can result in hospitalization or death Spreads by droplets (e.g. infected person coughs, sneezes, talks) Best way to protect yourself from getting the flu is to get vaccinated annually → virus changes and mutates over time

The Flu

Signs and Symptoms Influenza Cold Symptom onset Very Sudden Gradual Fever Can last up to 4 days Rare Muscle aches Usually severe Very mild Chills Common Rare Fatigue Common Sometimes Sneezing/stuffy nose Sometimes Common Cough Common (can be severe) Mild to moderate Headache Common Rare

Those at Risk of Complications

Certain individuals are at risk of developing complications of influenza (e.g. pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus and ear infections) which may require hospitalization Children younger than 5 (especially <2) Adults > 65 Pregnant (up to 2 weeks post-partum) Medical conditions (asthma, diabetes, heart diseases, kidney diseases, liver diseases, etc…)

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Herd Immunity Herd Immunity

Herd immunity protects not only yourself, but those who are unable to get the vaccination Allergies Babies Immunodeficiencies “Herd immunity protects not only you, but also those that you love and care about.”

Increase in Productivity at Workplace

Impact of absence due to sickness on productivity is large and viruses are easily transmitted at workplace Employees are more likely to get the flu shot if they have access to immunization in the workplace Research shows that workplace flu vaccination programs result in substantial cost savings 34% reduction in days of illness 45% reduction in lost work days

Source: Flu Vaccination Clinics: Shepell FGI, May 11, 2015 http://www.hmrinsurance.ca/~hmrinsurance/tipe/2009%20Flu%20Clinic%20Proposal%20‐%20Shepellfgi%20‐ %2018‐ jun‐09.pdf

Influenza Vaccine

World Health Organization (WHO) predicts most likely strains viruses to use in vaccine for upcoming flu season Traditional vaccines are trivalent: influenza A (H1N1), influenza A (H3N2) and influenza B

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Upcoming Flu Vaccination

2016-2017

A/California/7/2009 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus A/Hong Kong/4801/2014 (H3N2)-like virus B/Brisbane/60/2008-like virus (B/Victoria lineage) B/Phuket/3073/2013-like virus

Why should I get vaccinated?

The body’s immune system response declines over time → requires annual vaccination Viruses are constantly changing slowly over time Even if you get the flu, the symptoms will still be more mild compared to if you did not get vaccinated Flu season in the northern hemisphere can persist until March!

Myths

Vaccines cause autism

Paper has been retracted from the journal and author has had his medical license revoked Follow-up studies have not proven any link Aftermath of low vaccinations have led to re-emergence of previously eradicated diseases in some countries

Myths

The vaccine got me sick

The vaccines are inactivated and cannot cause you to get sick The vaccine takes 2 weeks to develop so you may have contracted the flu before it was effective It does not provide you from the common cold virus which also circulates

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Myths

I am healthy, I don’t need the vaccine

The vaccine is the most effective in healthy individuals, therefore the most beneficial It protects against other people who are more vulnerable to the complications of the flu If you do get the flu, it can leave you very sick for 7 days or more

How we can help

Specific Shoppers Drug Mart stores provides on site flu clinic to provide convenient and accessible option to help our community stay healthy Vaccinations will be provided by our pharmacists and we will manage all aspects of the onsite clinic including setup and provision of all clinical materials Everyone that is vaccinated will receive a Record of Immunization to share with their physician or health care provider

References

• http://www.cdc.gov/flu/