Last updated: November 21, 2022
The best way to protect yourself and your family, and prevent severe illness from the flu virus, is to get the flu vaccine this fall. It may also help you avoid unnecessary health care visits or isolating if you have symptoms. Get vaccinated by contacting your local pharmacist or health care provider.
Flu vaccine is available to anyone over six months of age. Children under nine years of age, with no previous flu vaccination, will need a second dose at least 4 weeks after the first dose. Each of the flu vaccines for children protects against four strains of influenza virus.
Influenza can make older adults very sick. Two vaccines are approved just for seniors. Both vaccines provide additional protection to seniors against the flu.
Getting the flu can be serious during pregnancy. Flu vaccine is safe and recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding people to reduce the risk of severe illness from the flu. Vaccination can also protect the fetus and newborn.
Flu vaccine is available at many local pharmacies and primary care clinics, and at City of Toronto immunization clinics.
How to Get Your Flu Shot Safely During COVID-19:
Flu illness can weaken our immunity, giving opportunity for other infections, like bacterial pneumonia. The illness can also aggravate existing health conditions such as diabetes, lung and heart disease. Flu virus can also cause severe inflammation of vital organs, requiring critical hospital care. Read the flu fact sheet.
We can layer our protection against respiratory viruses (such as the flu and COVID-19) with some simple steps. The actions you take will protect you, loved ones and those most vulnerable in our community.