Influenza (Flu)

Protect yourself and your loved ones from the flu this season. Find out how to book your flu shot, where to get vaccinated, and how to stay protected.

How and where to get your flu shot

Flu shots are free for everyone aged 6 months and older who lives, works, or goes to school in Ontario.

Booking and locations by age group:

• Children under 5 years old (who cannot access a pharmacy):
  Southwestern Public Health (SWPH) offers limited appointments for children under 5 who cannot access a pharmacy

• Book a flu shot for children under 5

• Ages 6 months and older:

• Contact your primary care provider (family doctor or nurse practitioner)

• Ages 2 years and older:

• Find a pharmacy offering flu shots (call ahead to confirm availability)

• Residents of Long-Term Care and Retirement Homes:

• Vaccinations are provided on-site at your residence

What’s the current influenza situation in our community?

You can track local respiratory illness trends for Oxford, Elgin, and St. Thomas by checking the Respiratory Illness Activity Dashboard.

What to expect at your flu shot appointment

Checklist for your appointment:

• Wear short sleeves for easy access to your upper arm

• Bring your health card (if available) and identification

• Prepare for mild side effects like soreness or fatigue

During your visit:

• Plan to spend about 30 minutes at the clinic

• Follow public health guidelines (masking, hand sanitizing)

• Stay for 5 to 15 minutes after your shot for monitoring

Is the flu shot safe?

Yes, the flu vaccine is very safe. It may cause mild side effects, such as:

• Sore arm

• Redness or swelling at the injection site

• Tiredness or headache

The flu shot cannot give you the flu.

Who should not get the flu shot?

The flu shot is not recommended for:

• Infants under 6 months of age

• Anyone with a serious reaction to the flu vaccine in the past

• Anyone with a severe allergy to any component of the vaccine

What are the symptoms of the flu?

Flu symptoms can appear suddenly and may include:

• Fever

• Chills

• Cough

• Runny or stuffy nose

• Sore throat

• Headache

• Muscle or body aches

• Weakness or fatigue

• In children: Ear pain, vomiting, or diarrhea

Some side effects of the flu vaccine (like fever or headache) can resemble COVID-19 symptoms. These side effects usually appear shortly after vaccination and last 1-2 days. Seek medical advice if symptoms persist.

How can you prevent the flu?

Follow these steps to protect yourself, your family, and your community:

• Get a flu shot every year

• Wash your hands often with soap and water

• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces

• Stay home when you are sick

For more details, visit the Ontario Flu Facts page.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I get a flu shot for my child under 5?

Public health offers limited appointments for children under 5 who cannot access a pharmacy. Book an appointment today.

Can the flu shot give me the flu?

No, the flu shot cannot give you the flu. The vaccine may cause mild side effects, but these are not the flu.

Who should not get the flu shot?

Infants under 6 months of age and anyone with a severe allergy to the vaccine components or a history of severe reactions to the flu shot should not get vaccinated.

Additional resources

• The Flu – Caring for someone sick at home

• Influenza Information for Health Care Providers

• Influenza Information for Long Term Care Homes

• Ontario Flu Facts

Need help? Contact us

If you have questions about the flu shot or need assistance, please contact us at 1-800-922-0096