The flu shot is safe. In Canada, vaccines undergo rigorous testing and must pass a licensing procedure before they can be used. While it is recommended that all Albertans aged six months and older should get the flu vaccine each year, there are a select few who should not. This includes those with serious allergies to eggs or chicken, those who have had a serious reaction to the flu vaccine in the past, and children younger than six months of age.
The most common side effects of the flu shot include:
- Mild pain/redness around the injection site
- Tiredness and irritability
- Mild fever, muscle aches and pains
These side effects are typically mild and usually disappear within 24-48 hours of receiving the vaccine.