Flu Shot (Influenza Vaccination)
It is strongly recommended that people 6 months of age and older get the flu shot.
Regular dose and high dose flu vaccines are available at pharmacies. Please notify us if you receive the flu shot outside of our clinic so we can update your records.
We encourage you to get your flu vaccine at your local pharmacy if possible.
We will be offering flu vaccine clinics this year; however, it is best if you do not visit the clinic if the only reason is to get your flu shot. We have gone through our supply of high-dose flu shots. Toronto Public Health is also operating flu clinics or please check website www.myflushot.ca to find and book a flu shot nearby you.
If your child is under 5, please book an appointment at our clinic online, as pharmacies cannot administer vaccines to anyone 5 and under.
* Please do not book an appointment for a flu shot if you are feeling unwell. Patients coming to the clinic for a flu shot who have new symptoms will be asked to reschedule*
Bathurst Patients:
Please book your appointment online. Only those with a booked appointment for the Flu Clinic will be given a flu shot. Accompanying family members will not be seen unless they also have appointments booked.
Flu clinic hours: See online booking schedule.
Next flu clinic dates: November 18, 19, 20, 23, 25, 27
Update: We have no high dose vaccines (65+) in stock
You can also receive your flu shot during your regular appointments - tell reception you want a flu shot when you check-in.
Flu shot appointments are released daily to ensure that we do not need to cancel your appointment if Toronto Public Health supplies are interrupted.
Garrison Creek Patients
Please book your appointment online or call 416-603-5888. Please do not book an appointment with your doctor online for a flu shot-you must select "Flu-GC Clinic" from the list of appointment options.
Flu clinic hours: See online booking schedule
Next flu clinic dates: Tuesday, November 24th
Update: November 19th: We have no high dose vaccines (65+) in stock
You can also receive your flu shot during your regular appointments - tell reception you want a flu shot when you check-in.
Flu appointments will be released intermittently to ensure that we do not need to cancel your appointment if supplies are interrupted.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who can get the flu shot?
Everyone can benefit from getting the flu shot. It is strongly recommended that people 6 months and older get the flu shot.
The following are individuals at greatest risk of flu illness complications:
- Adults aged 65 years or older
- Children aged 5 years and younger
- Pregnant people
- People with underlying heatlth conditions such as asthma, heart disease or diabetes
We highly recommend health care providers and individuals working or living with persons with chronic health conditions get the flu shot.
2. Who should not get the flu shot?
- If you have had a severe allergic reaction with a previous flu shot
- Children under 6 months of age
- If you previously developed Guillain-Barre Syndrome within 6 weeks of receiving the flu shot
- If you have a fever at the time of the scheduled appointment
3. What kind of flu shot will I get?
- Adults 65 years of age and older will receive a High-Dose flu vaccine
- Children 9 years of age and older and adults between the ages of 18-64 will get one shot of the flu vaccine
- Children between the ages of 6 months -9 years who are getting the flu shot for the first time will require 2 shots, 4 weeks apart
4. Will the flu shot make me sick?
The answer is NO
- The flu shot does not contain the live virus
- Some people might get mild flu like symptoms such as a mild fever, fatigue and muscle aches because of your body’s response to the vaccine
- Common side effects are soreness, redness and swelling at the site the flu shot was administered
- PLEASE STAY IN THE CLINIC FOR AT LEAST 15 MINUTES AFTER RECEIVING THE FLU SHOT
- Let your health care provider know if you are experiencing any abnormal reactions such as faintness, difficulty breathing or tightness in your chest
5. I received the flu shot last year. Do I need to get another one?
The answer is YES
- The flu shot does not provide long term protection from the flu virus
- The flu virus may change from year to year
- Experts work hard every year to create a vaccine that will protect you during the current flu season
- There is a possibility that new flu virus strains may develop after the flu vaccine is created. You may not be fully protected against these new strains, but you may still have some protection
6. When should I get the flu shot?
Flu season is usually during the months of December to May. Flu shots are typically available starting in November to allow for vaccination before flu season begins.
7. What else can I do to protect myself from getting the flu or spreading it to others?
- Frequently wash your hands for 20 seconds. THis is the best way to prevent you from getting the flu or other viral/bacterial infections.
- Cough and sneeze into a tissue or into your sleeve, NOT into your hands
- Don't touch your face
- Stay at home when you are sick
- Clean (and disinfect) surfaces and shared items
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