Influenza Immunization (Flu Shot)
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.
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.
As of December 21, 2022 children ages five to 11 are eligible to receive a bivalent booster dose if it has been at least six months since their last dose. More information is available in the provincial news release.
Please note that while the influenza vaccine protects against the influenza virus, it does not protect against COVID-19. The influenza vaccine (or other vaccines) can be given at the same time as the COVID-19 vaccine in individuals aged five and over. For those ages six months to under five years, it should be given 14 days before or after the COVID-19 vaccine.
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):
- Influenza Flu | Huron Perth Public Health
- The Flu | Province of Ontario
- Influenza Immunization: 2022-2023 Fact Sheet [PDF] | Huron Perth Public Health, October 2022
- The Influenza Vaccine and Pregnancy [PDF] | Huron Perth Public Health, October 2022