What is the influenza vaccine?
The influenza vaccine (flu shot) protects against a virus that causes the flu.
Vaccines can provide protection against a single disease or can be made to provide protection against more than one disease. Vaccines that provide protection against more than one disease are called combined vaccines. Influenza vaccine is only available as a single vaccine format.
Who should get the influenza vaccine?
In general, everyone aged 6 months or older should get the flu shot every year. Children, adolescents, and adults all need to receive the influenza vaccine at regular intervals to have ongoing protection. The recommended time to get the vaccine is October to mid-November.
People who are at higher risk, such as health care workers, older adults, individuals who are pregnant and those with chronic health conditions, should get the flu shot every year as soon as it is available to them.
To find out more about when individuals need the influenza vaccine, see the Ontario Immunization Schedule (Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care).
Who should not get the influenza vaccine?
People who have had serious allergic reaction to any ingredient in the vaccine or to a previous dose of the vaccine itself should not receive the influenza vaccine.
Your health care provider will ask you questions about your health before giving you any vaccine. This will help them identify allergies you might have and safely manage potential allergic reactions.
What are the possible side effects of the influenza vaccine?
You could have mild side effects after being vaccinated, but they usually go away in one to two days. Some people can be allergic to the vaccine, just like they might have a food or medication allergy.
Learn more about common vaccine side effects and what to do about them.
Is the influenza vaccine required to attend school, daycare or to work in certain settings?
Although it is recommended to receive the influenza vaccine annually, children do not have to be immunized against this disease to attend school or a licensed day care in Ontario (Immunization of School Pupils Act, Child Care and Early Years Act).
This vaccine may be required in certain workplaces.
Reporting vaccinations
You can report, access, and update your immunization records.
What else should you know about the influenza vaccine?
Cost
This vaccine is publicly funded, meaning it is free of charge for those who need it. No matter where you get the vaccine in Ontario, there is no cost (in a hospital, walk-in clinic, health care provider’s office or public health unit).
For a list of publicly funded vaccines in Ontario, see the Ontario Immunization Schedule.
Risks and benefits
Talk to your health care provider of getting vaccinated if you have special health conditions or concerns. Learn more about special considerations before being vaccinated.
Where can you get the influenza vaccine?
Flu vaccines will be available at health care provider offices, walk-in clinics, community health centers, and pharmacies. It is strongly recommended that eligible individuals receive both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines this fall. Individuals aged 6 months and older can safely get the seasonal flu vaccine immediately before or after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.
I received my flu shot last year. Do I need it again?
It is recommended that the influenza (flu) vaccine be given annually. This is because flu viruses change often, and our body’s immunity decreases between flu seasons.
Does the flu vaccine protect me against COVID-19?
No, the influenza vaccine will not protect against coronaviruses, like COVID-19. However, the flu vaccine is an important part of protecting yourself from influenza and will help keep you healthy. By keeping people healthy, the vaccine also helps reduce the burden on the health care system and ensures health care resources remain available.
Why is it important to get the flu shot if it does not protect against COVID-19?
Getting your flu shot helps protect you, and those around you from getting sick with the influenza. Having fewer sick people in our community helps reduce the burden on the health care system and ensures health care resources remain available and accessible.
Do I need to get the flu shot in October?
It is recommended that you get your flu shot as soon as it becomes available in your community. Typically, flu season occurs from November to April. The best time to receive the flu shot is between October and mid-November, before flu season starts. However, it continues to be available throughout the flu season.
How long is the flu shot effective?
The flu shot is designed to offer protection for the duration of the flu season. Flu viruses change over time and our body’s immunity decreases between flu seasons. For these reasons, it is recommended that we get the influenza (flu) vaccine every year. Protective antibody levels are generally achieved within 2 to 3 weeks after vaccination.
For more information:
- Contact us.
- See our frequently asked questions or send us your question.
- See our list of helpful websites for information about vaccination.