Influenza (Flu) Vaccines

More information coming soon.

More information coming soon.

More information coming soon.

The earlier you get the vaccine, the better your chances of preventing the flu. The flu is a serious viral infection that can lead to severe complications. Protect yourself, your family, and high-risk groups in your community by getting vaccinated.

Vaccination offers the best protection. While the vaccine may not always prevent infection, it still offers strong protection against severe illness, hospitalization, and complications.

What is the flu?

The flu, or seasonal influenza, is a common sickness that spreads easily. It affects your nose, throat, and lungs. You can catch the flu from tiny droplets when someone with the flu coughs or sneezes. You can also get it by shaking hands with someone who has the flu or by touching surfaces with flu droplets and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.

Symptoms of the flu

• Sudden fever or feeling very hot
• Cough and/or sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Headache or body aches
• Chills
• Feeling more tired than usual
• Lower appetite
• Some people, especially kids, might also feel sick to their stomach, vomit, or have diarrhea

Preventing the flu

Get vaccinated: The flu vaccine helps your body fight off infection. It can prevent the flu or reduce the severity of symptoms. Each year, the vaccine is updated to protect against the most likely flu strains.

Protect yourself and others

• Wash your hands often and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
• Disinfect high-touch surfaces in your home and workplace.
• Wear a mask:
• To protect yourself from viral respiratory illnesses.
• To protect others at higher risk of severe respiratory illness.
• When you’re recovering from illness.

How serious is the flu?

Complications from the flu can include serious conditions, like pneumonia or heart attacks and, in some cases, death. The flu is estimated to cause about 12,200 hospitalizations and 3,500 deaths in Canada each year.