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 health 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 may be offered formulations that help improve their response to the vaccine based on supply
-
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 to 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
8. Can I get the flu shot and my COVID-19 vaccine at the same time?
People 6 months of age and older can get their flu shot and the COVID-19 vaccine without needing to wait.
Basically, people 6 months of age and older can get their flu vaccine:
-
at the same time as other vaccines
-
anytime before or after other vaccines (Health Canada)
For more information visit:
2024-2025 Influenza Vaccine Fact Sheet - Toronto Public Health
Edited November 11, 2024
