Influenza (Flu)

⚠ Flu update

  • Ottawa Public Health (OPH) immunization service criteria have evolved in recent years. OPH clinics are for children under 5 (and their household members) and newcomers without OHIP who are not serviced by pharmacies or have limited access to primary care. For the majority of the population, pharmacy or your primary care provider are the main providers of these vaccines.

Frequently asked questions

Who is eligible for the flu vaccine?

This fall, as vaccine becomes available in the community, any one of the following groups, may receive their flu immunization before the vaccine becomes available to the general population.   

  • staff and care providers in congregate living settings (such as chronic care facilities, long-term care homes, retirement homes)  

  • health care workers  

  • first responders  

  • members of underserved communities  

  • people whose occupational or recreational activities increase their risk of exposure to avian influenza A viruses  

Starting October 27, 2025, all individuals 6 months of age and older who live, work, or go to school in Ontario are eligible for the flu vaccine through local pharmacies and healthcare providers. 
Where to get vaccinated

Important: Ottawa Public Health (OPH) immunization service criteria have evolved in recent years. OPH clinics are for children under 5 (and their household members) and newcomers without OHIP who are not serviced by pharmacies or have limited access to primary care. For the majority of the population, pharmacy or your primary care provider are the main providers of these vaccines.

Starting mid-October vaccine will be available across the City for high-risk and priority groups; and will be available to the general population 6 months and older starting October 27th. 

Pharmacies

Pharmacies are the primary way that Ontarians access the flu vaccine. It is recommended to contact your local pharmacy, prior to visiting, to check vaccine availability. Visit the Ministry of Health Pharmacy Vaccine Locator to locate a pharmacy near you. 

Participating community health care providers

  • Check with your regular health care provider to see if they offer the vaccines.  

Neighbourhood Health and Wellness Hubs  

Starting October 14th, Ottawa Public Health will offer flu vaccination to eligible high-risk clients facing significant barriers to accessing the immunization in the community which are children aged 6 months to under 5 years of age (including their immediate family and household members), and newcomers without OHIP. Visit the Neighbourhood Health and Wellness Hubs page for information on hub locations, hours and vaccine availability. 

Ottawa Public Health Community Vaccination Clinics 

Starting October 14th, OPH clinics will serve eligible high-risk clients facing significant barriers to accessing the COVID-19 and flu vaccine in the community which are: 

  • young children under 5 including their immediate family & household members 

  • newcomers without OHIP

The following clients should call the Ottawa Public Health Contact Centre 613-580-6744 and speak to a Public Health Nurse for clinic options prior to booking an appointment:

  • Clients 5 years and older with medical or disability related needs who cannot be seen by a pharmacist or family doctor and require accommodation to make the experience possible and positive (e.g. Extra time with a nurse, a quieter or private space)

Book appointment
Types of publicly funded vaccines

This year all flu vaccines protect against 3 strains of the flu virus (two type A strains and 1 type B strain). This is a change from previous flu seasons where 4 strains were included. This aligns with recommendations nationally and globally, as the additional type B vaccine strain, included in previous flu seasons, has not be detected in over 5 years.  

Age Group Product
 6 months and older

Trivalent Inactivated Vaccines (TIV): 

  •  Flucelvax®   

  • Fluviral  

  • Fluzone® 
65 years and older

Adjuvanted Trivalent Inactivated Vaccine (TIV-Adj): Fluad®

High-Dose Trivalent Inactivated Vaccine (TIV-HD): Fluzone® High-Dose

Children six months to under nine years of age who have never had a flu vaccine in their life require two doses of the flu vaccine, given at least four weeks apart. Children six months to less than nine years or anyone older who received one or more doses of seasonal flu vaccine in the previous year, should receive one dose of flu vaccine per season thereafter.   

Older Adults: The TIV-HD (Fluzone® High-Dose) and TIV-adj (Fluad®) are the recommended influenza vaccines for adults 65 years of age and older. There is no preferential recommendation for the use of TIV-HD versus TIV-adj vaccine for this age group. If these products are not available, do not delay vaccination. All the available flu vaccines protect people 65 years old and over. The most important thing is for older adults to be vaccinated. 
Why get vaccinated early?

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.
What is the flu, what are the symptoms and how to prevent it?

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.

Resources

Helpful resources to help support you and your family this respiratory season:

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