Influenza (Flu)

• All individuals 6 months of age and older who live, work, or go to school in Ontario are eligible for the flu vaccine through local pharmacies and healthcare providers.

⚠ Flu vaccine update:  As of April 4, 2025, online appointments are no longer available for flu vaccine. Individuals seeking flu vaccine for children aged 6 months to under 5 years of age and individuals facing significant barriers to access, such as newcomers without OHIP, can contact Ottawa Public Health’s Virtual Immunization Hub for information on where to access the vaccine. The Virtual Immunization Hub is available at 613-580-6744 Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to noon and 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

Pharmacies

• Many local pharmacies still have available flu vaccines from the Ministry of Health. Pharmacies are the primary way that Ontarians access these vaccines.
• Visit the Ministry of Health’s website or OttawaPublicHealth.ca/FindPharmacy to locate a pharmacy near you including hours of operation, address, contact information and details on how to book an appointment. Contact the pharmacy before visiting to ensure vaccine availability.

Participating community health care providers

• Check with your regular health care provider to see if they offer the vaccines.

Children six months to under nine years of age who have never had a flu vaccine in their life require two doses of the flu vaccine, given at least four weeks apart. Children six months to less than nine years or anyone older who received one or more doses of seasonal flu vaccine in the previous year, should receive one dose of flu vaccine per season thereafter. QIV vaccines protect against four flu strains: two different flu A viruses and two different flu B viruses. TIV (Trivalent Inactivated Vaccine) protects against two different flu A viruses and one flu B virus. Older Adults: The QIV-HD (Fluzone® High-Dose Quadrivalent) and TIV-adj (Fluad®) are the recommended influenza vaccines for adults 65 years of age and older. There is no preferential recommendation for the use of QIV-HD versus TIV-adj vaccine for this age group. If these products are not available, do not delay vaccination. All the available flu vaccines protect people 65 years old and over. The most important thing is for older adults to be vaccinated.

The earlier you get the vaccine, the better your chances of preventing the flu. The flu is a serious viral infection that can lead to severe complications. Protect yourself, your family, and high-risk groups in your community by getting vaccinated.

What is the flu?

The flu, or seasonal influenza, is a common sickness that spreads easily. It affects your nose, throat, and lungs. You can catch the flu from tiny droplets when someone with the flu coughs or sneezes. You can also get it by shaking hands with someone who has the flu or by touching surfaces with flu droplets and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.

Symptoms of the flu

• Sudden fever or feeling very hot
• Cough and/or sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Headache or body aches
• Chills
• Feeling more tired than usual
• Lower appetite
• Some people, especially kids, might also feel sick to their stomach, vomit, or have diarrhea

Preventing the flu

Get vaccinated: The flu vaccine helps your body fight off infection. It can prevent the flu or reduce the severity of symptoms. Each year, the vaccine is updated to protect against the most likely flu strains.

Protect yourself and others

• Wash your hands often and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
• Disinfect high-touch surfaces in your home and workplace.
• Wear a mask:
• To protect yourself from viral respiratory illnesses.
• To protect others at higher risk of severe respiratory illness.
• When you’re recovering from illness.

How serious is the flu?

Complications from the flu can include serious conditions, like pneumonia or heart attacks and, in some cases, death. The flu is estimated to cause about 12,200 hospitalizations and 3,500 deaths in Canada each year.