Influenza Immunization (Flu Shot)

 

Sept. 14, 2023: The province of Ontario has announced information regarding respiratory illness season, including vaccines against influenza and COVID-19 XBB. Please visit Connecting Ontarians to the Tools They Need to Stay Healthy This Respiratory Illness Season for more details. 
HPPH will be updating this page shortly with local information.

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 6 months of age and older to get the influenza vaccine each fall to protect against the virus and stop the spread of influenza in our community.

The influenza vaccine (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.

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 less than nine years old need two flu shots the first year they get the vaccine. They need one flu shot each year after.

With the co-circulation of COVID-19, influenza vaccination will be very important to protect the health of individuals, families and communities in addition to lessening the impact on our healthcare system.

Where to get the influenza vaccine (flu shot)

Note: Huron Perth Public Health will not be offering community influenza immunization clinics for the general population.

Primary care providers

Individuals aged six months and older can can get their flu shot from a doctor or nurse practitioner.

Pharmacies

Individuals aged two and older can get their flu shot from a participating pharmacy.  Call your local pharmacy to book an appointment or find out how to get influenza vaccine at their location.

Community clinics

Some family health teams may host community flu shot clinics that are open to the general public to attend. We will share community flu shot clinic information on this page as it becomes available.

Preparing for your appointment at a community clinic:

  • Bring a valid Ontario Health Card with you if you have one, or another piece of identification
  • Arrive at your scheduled appointment time, not earlier
  • Wear a short sleeved or loose-fitting shirt
  • Do not attend the flu shot clinic if you are feeling unwell, have a fever, COVID-19 or other respiratory illness symptoms, have tested positive for COVID-19, or should be self-isolating. Please reschedule your appointment for a later date.

More information

For more information on influenza and the influenza vaccine (flu shot):