This page provides updated information related to influenza and vaccination options for residents in Elgin County, Oxford County, and the City of St. Thomas.
Public health has limited appointments available ONLY for children under 5 years old who are unable to access a local pharmacy. If you have a child in this age group, please book through the link below.
Fast links: Influenza Vaccination (Flu Shot)
Free flu shots are available for all individuals 6 months of age and older who live, work or go to school in Ontario.
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| Who is currently eligible? |
Individuals who are most vulnerable and high-priority populations are currently eligible for this vaccine. Visit the Ontario Ministry of Health's flu information page to find out who is currently eligible for free flu vaccines in Ontario. Looking for a flu clinic in Ontario? *Public health has limited appointments available ONLY for children under 5 years old who are unable to access a local pharmacy. If you have a child in this age group, please book an appointment. |
| Where can I get a flu shot? |
Where you can get vaccinated usually depends on your age. The exception to this is for people who live in Long-Term Care or Retirement Homes, as they are vaccinated on-site at the home they reside in.
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| Is the flu shot safe? |
The flu vaccine is very safe. The flu vaccine may cause mild side effects such as a sore arm or redness where the needle was given. It cannot cause the flu. |
| Who should get a flu shot? |
Everyone 6 months of age and older should get the flu vaccine every year, especially:
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| Who should not get a flu shot? | The flu shot is not recommended for:
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Information: Influenza Illness
Influenza is a contagious viral infection in the nose, throat and lungs. The flu can be very serious. Flu causes about 12,200 hospitalizations and 3,500 deaths in Canada each year.
The flu vaccine is the best way to prevent its spread. Talk to your health care provider or visit a participating pharmacy to get the flu vaccine.
View/download our flyer on the flu – caring for someone sick at home, or learn more about the flu from Ontario Health.
What are the symptoms?
Common flu symptoms include:
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Some side effects of the flu vaccine (fever, headache, fatigue) can look similar to COVID-19 symptoms. If these occur, they usually begin soon after vaccination and last 1-2 days. Seek health care advice if symptoms persist.
How can I prevent the flu?
Follow these steps to protect yourself, your family and your community from the flu:
- Get a flu shot every year
- Clean your hands often
- Cover your coughs and sneezes
- Clean and disinfect items and surfaces that are touched a lot
- Stay home when you are sick
Learn more on our preventing infection page. You can also Visit www.ontario.ca/page/flu-facts for more details about how to prevent getting and spreading the flu.
For preventing flu in children, review this infographic resource from Immunize Canada.