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Nightingale Nursing Group Inc.
2009 Work Place Influenza Program starts October 13, 2009.
The Nightingale Nursing Group Inc. Work Place Influenza Immunization Program began in 1998 and has grown significantly every year. In 2008 we provided 9,848 flu shots at 338 work site clinics. More people are taking this proactive step every year to prevent the spread of influenza. And, with the added concerns regarding the H1N1 pandemic influenza, it is even more important to get an annual flu shot.
Our Flu Program Coordinator works with clients to set the date and time for on-site clinics and to ensure that all participants have the information they need to make an informed decision about getting a flu shot.
Individual components of the vaccine are identified annually by the World Health Organization (WHO) with recommendations given to manufacturers:
According to the WHO website, the recommended components for 2009 are:
A/Brisbane/59/2007; A/Brisbane/10/2007; B/Brisbane/60/2008
To arrange a clinic at your work place contact the Flu Program Coordinator at 306-652-3314 after September 14th, 2009.
Download the 2009 IMMUNIZATION CLINIC
CLIENT BOOKING INFORMATION form here
INFLUENZA INFORMATION
HOW DO YOU PREVENT INFLUENZA?
WHO SHOULD RECEIVE THE VACCINE?
WHO SHOULD NOT RECEIVE THE VACCINE?
ADVERSE REACTIONS
WILL HAVING A FLU SHOT PREVENT ME FROM BEING A BLOOD DONOR?
CAN I RECEIVE INFLUENZA IMMUNIZATION FROM MY PERSONAL PHYSICIAN?
INFLUENZA INFORMATION
Influenza, commonly called “the flu”
- is an acute viral illness that attacks the respiratory system
-is an illness that affects your lungs, not your stomach
Symptoms
- start suddenly and include:
Fever (37° – 40° C) in adults, higher in children
Chills Runny nose
Dry cough Sneezing
Headache Muscle Aches
Extreme fatigue
Recovery time: 7 to 10 days
INFLUENZA
The influenza season is usually from November to March:
- annual immunization is required because one or more of the vaccine components are changed each year
- general immunity declines over the year
- the antigenic characteristics of current and emerging strains provide the basis for selecting the virus strains for the year
- the effectiveness of influenza vaccine varies depending upon the age, and the degree of similarity between the virus strain included in the vaccine and the strain of circulating virus during the influenza season
- with a good match influenza vaccination has shown to prevent illness in approximately 70% of healthy children and adults
- protection from the vaccine generally begins about two weeks after immunization and may last six months or longer
- in the elderly population, antibody levels fall below protective levels in four months or less
Vaccination programs should be considered where:
- transmission of influenza to persons at high risk could occur
- the working environment has a high population density
- workers are in close proximity to one another
- high rates of absenteeism might severely disrupt a company’s productivity
- essential services are provided to the community
Recommended Recipients
- Adults and children with chronic cardiac or pulmonary disorders
- Adults and children with chronic conditions such as diabetes, cancer, kidney disease and anemia
- Persons who provide essential community services, in order to minimize the disruption of routine activities in epidemics.
- Adults who wish to reduce their chances of acquiring infection and missing work or important functions such as vacations or weddings as a consequence (i.e. upper respiratory tract illness)
- Pregnant women in high risk groups. Influenza vaccine is considered safe in pregnancy
Influenza vaccination is also recommended for anyone who wants to reduce the likelihood of becoming ill with influenza or spreading that illness to others.
HOW DO YOU PREVENT INFLUENZA?
Influenza and its complications may be prevented by annual immunization (flu shot). The flu shot should be given annually because the virus changes from year to year. As well, the immunity provided by the flu shot only lasts six months and will be ineffective by the time the next ‘flu season’ comes around. Getting a flu shot is like making sure the battery in your car is charged for winter. The vaccine causes your body to build up antibodies. Then when you encounter the virus, your immune system is ready for combat - and you fight the illness yourself.
Influenza is spread through the air in droplets when infected people cough or sneeze and by contact with objects such as doorknobs, water taps, telephones or soiled tissues contaminated with the flu virus
Preventive measures:
Wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water
Cover nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing
Get a flu shot every fall
Flu Prevention Checklist
WHO SHOULD RECEIVE THE VACCINE?
- Adults 65 years and older.
- Residents of long term care facilities.
- Adults and children with chronic heart, lung and kidney disorders, diabetes, anemia, cancer and other immunodeficiency conditions.
- Health care workers.
- People who have frequent contact with the public.
- People who provide essential services.
- Individuals who wish to protect themselves from the flu.
- Individuals providing regular care to children aged 6 – 23 months
WHO SHOULD NOT RECEIVE THE VACCINE?
Persons who:
- have had a reaction to the influenza vaccine
- have an anaphylactic or allergic reaction to eggs
- have an active neurological condition
- have a known sensitivity to Neomycin or Gentamycin
- have a fever or infection - wait until symptoms disappear
ADVERSE REACTIONS
- Influenza vaccination cannot cause influenza because the vaccine does not contain live virus
- Soreness at the injection site lasts approximately one to two days and is not uncommon
- Fever and general malaise may occur within 6-12 hours and last 1-2 days especially in young adults and those receiving vaccine for the first time
- Application of cold packs to the area is recommended for relief. Use of Acetaminophen (e.g.-Tylenol) may prevent or reduce side effects. Severe reactions are rare.
- It has been suggested that younger persons may have a local reaction to the vaccine because they may not have had prior exposure to that strain of influenza antigens. Prophylactic Tylenol® may decrease some of the side effects.
WILL HAVING A FLU SHOT PREVENT ME FROM BEING A BLOOD DONOR?
The Canadian Red Cross has revised its donor selection criteria regarding blood donation and/or plasmapheresis. The recommended deferral period after influenza immunization is 48 hours.
CAN I RECEIVE INFLUENZA IMMUNIZATION FROM MY PERSONAL PHYSICIAN?
In accordance with Community Health guidelines, family physicians provide influenza immunization free-of-charge only to the over-65 age group and others considered at risk due to pre-existing health conditions. Many physicians do provide flu shots to the general public for a fee, once the at-risk population has been accommodated.
Conclusion:
Influenza vaccination does not cause systemic adverse effects in adults. Vaccination against influenza has substantial health related and economic benefits for healthy working adults.
A study in England “The Effectiveness of Vaccination Against Influenza in Healthy, Working Adults” by Nicol et al, concluded that:
- immunization decreased the frequency of upper respiratory illness by 25%
- reduced absenteeism from work due to upper respiratory illness by 43%
- reduced visits to doctors’ offices for URI illness by 44%
Glossary:
Antigen - any substance that can stimulate the production of antibodies
Upper Respiratory Illness (URI) - a sore throat associated with either a fever or a cough that lasts at least 24 hours.
Malaise - general feeling of being under the weather
References:
The New England Journal of Medicine - Copyright 1995 by the Massachusetts Medical Society - Volume 333 - October 5, 1995
Side Effects Associated With Influenza Vaccination in Healthy Working Adults - reprinted from the Archives of Internal Medicine - July 22, 1996 - Volume 156
Canada Communicable Disease Report - Health Canada - June 15, 1996 and September 1, 1996
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