Influenza (flu) vaccine

New Brunswick provides a universal seasonal influenza (flu) vaccine program to all residents aged six months and older. Individuals 65 and older will be offered enhanced influenza vaccine. The vaccines offer protection against the most common strains of influenza circulating globally.

Influenza vaccines can be given at the same time as other vaccines. This means earlier protection against multiple diseases and fewer appointments. Receiving multiple vaccines at the same time does not compromise the effectiveness of each vaccine.

The flu vaccine is given as an injection in the upper arm in older children and adults and into the thigh in infants. FluMist, a nasal spray influenza vaccine for children aged two to 17, is offered for children who may be hesitant to receive the traditional needle-based influenza vaccine. To determine if a child is eligible, parents or guardians should contact their primary care provider, pharmacy or local Public Health office.

Getting your flu vaccine every year is important because the viruses change from year to year, and protection provided by the vaccine decreases over time. Getting immunized each year is the best way to protect against influenza infection, a serious and sometimes fatal disease. When you and your family are immunized, you also help protect others.

The influenza vaccine should not be given to anyone who:

• had a life-threatening reaction (such as anaphylaxis) to a previous dose of the influenza vaccine
• has a history of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) within six weeks of receiving any influenza vaccine – GBS is a rare condition that can lead to muscle weakness and paralysis
• children below six months of age, as the vaccine is not known to be effective for this age group

NOTE: Individuals with egg allergies can receive the flu vaccine.

The FluMist vaccine should not be given to anyone who: 

• had a severe allergic reaction to the vaccine previously 
• is allergic to any of the ingredients of the vaccine or its container 
• has a history of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) within six weeks of receiving any influenza vaccine
• is pregnant

NOTE: If your child has a chronic condition or illness, you should speak to your health-care provider to find out if the nasal flu vaccine is appropriate.

Inform your immunization provider if you or your child has any health problems or allergies.

Reactions to the vaccine are generally mild and last one to two days. Common reactions to the vaccine may include soreness, redness and swelling where the vaccine was given. Fever may also occur.  For mild reactions, a cold compress at the injection site may reduce discomfort. Ask a health-care provider what medicine is best to reduce fever.

With any vaccine, there is an extremely rare possibility (less than one in a million people) of a life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. For this reason, it is important to remain in the clinic for 15 minutes after receiving the vaccine. Signs of this reaction may include rash, difficulty breathing or swelling of the throat, tongue or lips. This reaction can be treated. Seek immediate medical attention if you have left the vaccination site and develop serious symptoms.

If you or your child experiences unusual reactions to the vaccine or you have any questions or concerns, please contact your primary care provider, pharmacy, Public Health office or Tele-Care (811).  

Children can receive the vaccine through their local Public Health office, primary care provider or a local pharmacy (for those two years and older).

Adults can book their vaccine appointment through a primary health-care provider, online using the provincial scheduler or through their local pharmacy.

If a New Brunswick resident doesn’t have a New Brunswick Medicare card but is eligible for the vaccine, they can call 1-833-437-1424 to book an appointment.

Long-term care residents from a nursing home or an adult residential facility can receive their vaccine on site.

Pregnant individuals may receive the vaccine through a midwife.

Out-of-province students can also get their flu shots through student health services at their respective post-secondary institutions.

Vaccination records for people aged 16 and older are available by registering online at MyHealthNB. To access your immunization record, please register or sign in to your account.

The paper record of immunization provided when vaccinated will continue to be the official record. Keep your immunization record in a safe place.

If the information on your record is incorrect or you received immunizations outside of New Brunswick and want them added, send an email to [email protected].

Immunizations administered prior to 1991 may not be readily accessible in MyHealthNB.  If your vaccination record is not available at MyHealthNB, contact the place you received your vaccines.