Anyone six months of age and older who lives, works or attends school in Ontario can get the flu shot for free. It takes about two weeks after getting the flu shot to be protected. The vaccine is needed every year because the circulating flu strains may be different. Children under nine years of age need two flu shots the first year they get the vaccine. They need one flu shot each year after.
Influenza Immunization (Flu Shot)
Influenza, also called the flu, is a serious, highly contagious viral infection of the nose, throat and lungs. Illness from the flu can last two to seven days. It may last longer in people with chronic diseases or the elderly. Some people get very ill, develop complications and are admitted to hospital. Some people will die from getting the flu.
Huron Perth Public Heath (HPPH) encourages everyone six months of age and older to get the influenza vaccine (flu shot) each fall to protect against the virus and stop the spread of influenza in our community.
The flu shot helps to prevent influenza in children and adults. Some people who get the flu shot may still get influenza but it will usually be a milder case than if they had not been vaccinated.
With multiple respiratory viruses circulating over the fall and winter (respiratory illness season), vaccination is important to protect the health of individuals, families and communities. In addition, vaccination lowers the impact these viruses have on our healthcare system.
Free flu shots are available to all Ontarians aged six months and older during flu season.
Starting in late September, high-risk and priority populations may get their flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine as supply becomes available in hospitals, long-term care homes, and other congregate care settings, followed by primary care providers and participating pharmacies. COVID vaccine and flu shots may arrive at different times. If you are high-risk, contact your local pharmacy or primary care provider.
Local pharmacies and healthcare providers offer the flu shot. Influenza vaccines will be available in Perth and Huron in late October 2025 for the general population.
Beginning in October, HPPH will be providing influenza and COVID-19 vaccine clinics for infants and children aged 4 years and under. See below for the schedule. Please call the Immunization Intake Line at 1-888-221-2133 ext. 3558 to book an appointment for your child.
More information on influenza and the flu shot
- The Flu | Province of Ontario
- Influenza Immunization: 2025-2026 Fact Sheet | Huron Perth Public Health, September 2024
- Influenza Vaccine and Pregnancy Fact Sheet | Huron Perth Public Health, October 2022
Information for healthcare providers
Universal influenza immunization program (UIIP)
- Health Care Provider Fact Sheet: Influenza Immunization for Individuals ≥65 years of age | Ministry of Health
- National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) Statement | Public Health Agency of Canada
- Universal Influenza Immunization Program | Ministry of Health
- Influenza Immunization Fact Sheet | Huron Perth Public Health
- Influenza | Immunize Canada
HPPH fall 2025 respiratory virus immunization clinics for infants and children
Note: these immunization clinics are only for infants and children who do not have a healthcare provider, specifically:
- RSV monoclonal antibody for infants born on or after April 1, 2025, and aged less than 8 months at the time of administration
- COVID-19 and influenza immunizations for children aged 4 years and under
Clinics are by appointment only. Call 1-888-221-2133 ext. 3558 to make an appointment for your child.
| Date | Weekday | Community | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct. 21, 2025 | Tuesday | Stratford | HPPH Stratford West Gore office | 653 West Gore St. |
| Oct. 23, 2025 | Thursday | Clinton | HPPH Clinton office | 77722B London Rd. |
| Nov. 4, 2025 | Tuesday | Stratford | HPPH Stratford West Gore office | 653 West Gore St. |
| Nov. 5, 2025 | Wednesday | Wingham | Listowel-Wingham and Area Family Health Team | 271 Frances St. (2nd floor) |
| Nov. 11, 2025 | Tuesday | Listowel | HPPH Listowel Office | 161 Inkerman St. West |
| Nov. 12, 2025 | Wednesday | Clinton | HPPH Clinton office | 77722B London Rd. |
| Nov. 17, 2025 | Monday | Stratford | HPPH Stratford West Gore office | 653 West Gore St. |
Contact Us
Huron Perth Public Health
Huron Office
77722B London Road, RR #5, Clinton, ON
N0M 1L0
Perth Office
653 West Gore St., Stratford ON N5A 1L4
Toll-free 1-888-221-2133
askhpph@hpph.ca