News Release -
Flu Clinics 2023 - Starting October 31, all Torontonians will be able to get their updated COVID-19 vaccine and annual flu vaccine at the same time at fixed-site vaccination clinics, pharmacies or primary health care providers. The general public can book their appointment at www.TPHbookings.ca starting October 25, 2023. Only one appointment will be required to get both vaccines at a TPH fixed-site vaccination clinic.
More information about the flu is available on the City website.
The Immunization Information Centre office is closed. Toronto Public Health will not be requesting updates for students' vaccination records until further notice. Gr 7 & 8 student vaccines will not be offered in schools this year. Flu vaccine, including high-dose flu vaccine, is available in early October at doctor’s office, pharmacies and Toronto Public Health (TPH) flu clinics. TPH clinics will be by appointment only. Dates and times will be posted on the City of Toronto website www.toronto.ca/immunization.
Individuals who have not received two doses of the COVID-19 vaccines are able to receive both vaccines at the same time. On September 28, the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) provided guidance that indicates that COVID-19 vaccines can be administered at the same time as other vaccines, including the flu vaccine.
More information can be found here .
Influenza, or the flu, is caused by a specific virus that typically comes around each fall or winter. People who get the flu usually have an abrupt onset of fever, muscle aches, headache, sore throat, cough, and weakness, usually lasting two to seven days. The cough and weakness can last for up to six weeks making physical activity and even day to day tasks difficult.
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 uncontrolled diabetes).
Children get the flu most often. The flu virus is spread mainly by droplets, when people cough, sneeze or talk. The flu virus can live on surfaces like toys, counter tops, door handles for up to 8 hours. Children can pass the flu virus to family members before they show symptoms and children under 5 years of age are at greater risk of complications.
The best way to stay healthy this season is to get your flu vaccine early, wash hands often and cover coughs and sneezes. It takes about two weeks for your body to develop an immune response to protect you against the flu.
Getting the flu vaccine is the best way to prevent the flu or reduce the risk of complications. It takes two weeks for the vaccine to boost immunity. The flu vaccine will not protect against colds and other respiratory illnesses not caused by the influenza virus. High-dose flu vaccine for older adults ages 65+ is available at all facilities that provide flu vaccination, including pharmacies. Visit the City of Toronto website for further details on Flu Prevention, Vaccines for Adults and Children and Vaccine Safety.
Your OHIP card is not required to receive a flu shot at Toronto Public Health flu vaccination clinics.
The Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care recommends the flu shot for everyone 6 months old and older, it is available at participating pharmacies, doctors, nurse practitioners or at a local public health unit nearest you (OHIP card required).
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.