Are you interested in getting influenza and COVID Vaccines for your child today?
Cold and flu season is starting, and we would like to help you protect your child by getting influenza (flu) and COVID vaccines during your visit today.
How can influenza (flu) and COVID vaccines help my child?
Cold and flu season is hard for parents. There are many different cough and cold viruses, and it can seem like your child is always sick. Each virus can last one week or more, with lingering coughs, sleepless nights, and trips to the doctor. Some children, especially young infants, can get very sick with these viruses and need to stay overnight or for many days in hospital. You may need to stay home with your child when they are sick with fever and cough, and your child may need to stay home from daycare or school if they are sick.
Influenza (flu) and COVID are the only two cough and cold viruses that we can prevent with a vaccine. While your child may get sick, if they have been vaccinated, they are more likely to have mild sickness and less likely to get very sick and need to come to the emergency department or stay at the hospital. With the holiday season around the corner, plan for a milder cold and flu season by getting your child vaccinated.
For more information about the vaccines, click these links or follow the QR codes:
COVID select your language – https://www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/public-resources.html#factsheets
Influenza (flu) select your language – https://www.gov.mb.ca/health/flu/factsheets.html
Can my child get the influenza (flu) and COVID vaccines today?
Children six months and older are eligible for influenza and COVID vaccines. Infants younger than six months can be protected be getting family members and caregivers vaccinated.
If your child has a fever or if your child is sick with cough, trouble breathing, vomiting, diarrhea or a new rash they should not get the vaccines today. Please make an appointment with your doctor or pharmacist to get the vaccines when your child is feeling better.
Children with serious health conditions or taking immune supressing medications or treatments should get their vaccine in their pediatrician’s office or specialty clinic.
Children with injuries such as cuts, broken bones, or children visiting the emergency department for other reasons (not fever or sickness) may be able to get the vaccines today.
If your child recently had a positive COVID-19 test result, the chance of getting COVID-19 again is low in the months after infection. It is generally recommended for your child to wait three to six months to get their next vaccine dose.
Your emergency department doctor can check your child’s vaccine record to see when they last received flu and COVID-19 vaccines, and you can ask about any concerns you may have such as allergies or side effects.
This is not a vaccine clinic. Only emergency department patients can be given the vaccines.
Tell your emergency department nurse or doctor if you are interested in getting your child vaccinated.
Are the influenza and COVID vaccines free?
Influenza and COVID vaccines are free in Manitoba for anyone registered with Manitoba Health, with no fees to patients and families.
When during the visit will the vaccine be given?
You will need to see the doctor before the vaccine can be given so that you can ask questions and give your permission (consent) to vaccinate your child today. For younger children it may be best to wait until the end of the visit before giving the vaccine. Older children can decide to have it earlier if they prefer and it is OK with the doctor (your child’s tests or treatments may need to be done first).
What happens after the vaccine is given?
- You will need to wait in the emergency department for 15 minutes after the vaccine is given.
- You will be given an immunization card and your child’s provincial vaccine record will be updated.
- You can give acetaminophen (such as Tylenol®) if fever or soreness develops at home.
- Some children will need another dose in four to eight weeks.
Where can my child get influenza and COVID vaccines if they do not get the vaccines today?
- Your child’s doctor, nurse practitioner, community clinic or health centre can give vaccines, including influenza and COVID
- Your local pharmacy can vaccinate children 2 years and older
- Check the vaccine map https://www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/vaccine.html#finder
If you have more questions:
Influenza myths and facts: https://www.gov.mb.ca/health/flu/mythsandfacts.html
Influenza Vaccine Questions and Answers: https://www.gov.mb.ca/health/flu/qanda.html
