Influenza (Flu) Season - Getting Vaccinated

News Release: November 14, 2025 - Toronto’s top doctor and Board of Health Chair to get vaccinated, highlighting the importance of seasonal vaccination for flu, COVID-19 and RSV

Description of Service/Summary: 

Influenza, also known as the flu, is a virus that spreads easily and can infect the nose, throat and lungs. Each year in Canada about five to 10 per cent of adults and 20 to 30 per cent of children are infected with influenza, usually in the late fall and winter. It can be hard to tell the difference between flu symptoms and other respiratory viruses, such as COVID-19 and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).  People who get the flu usually have fever, muscle aches and cough. Other symptoms include headache, sore throat, chills, loss of appetite and feeling tired. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may also occur, especially in children. Most people will recover within a week to 10 days.

Flu vs. Cold:

The flu is not the same as a cold. Unlike the common cold, the flu can develop into more serious health problems, such as pneumonia or the worsening of pre-existing medical conditions (i.e. asthma, heart disease or diabetes). Children may also get sinus infections and ear infections.

Protecting Yourself and Others from the Flu:

While vaccination is the most important step you can take to protect yourself and others, there are more steps we can all take to reduce virus spread:

  • Getting the flu vaccine each year is the best way to protect against serious illness
    • Even if you had flu in the past, it’s important to get vaccinated every fall as protection can decrease over time and vaccines are updated each year to try to match the new strains expected to spread.
  • Using layers of protection will help protect you, loved ones and those most vulnerable in our community, such as children and the elderly. 
    • in addition to vaccination, everyday actions like handwashing, staying home when sick, and wearing a mask in crowded spaces help reduce the spread.

Where to Get Vaccinated: 

This year, COVID-19 and flu vaccines are available for high-risk residents by early October and for everyone six months of age and older starting October 27, 2025. Vaccines are available at primary care offices and participating pharmacies. It is safe and convenient to get your flu vaccine at the same time, before or after a  COVID-19 vaccine, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine, or any other routine vaccines.

Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are available for children ages six months to four years old by appointment at Toronto Public Health (TPH) community clinics. Pharmacies can administer flu and COVID-19 vaccines to children aged two and older. 

You do not need an OHIP card to get a flu shot at TPH community clinic.

For a flu shot at a doctor's office, please speak with your health care provider.  A doctor's office will generally require an OHIP card, although some community health care centres offer flu clinics that do not require OHIP coverage.

Learn more about protecting yourself from respiratory viruses.