Influenza Information for Health Care Providers

Getting vaccinated against the flu saves lives. A flu shot is your patient's best defense against the influenza virus. As a healthcare provider, you play a key role in protecting your patients and yourself from influenza.

How can you diagnose influenza?

For detailed diagnosis information, refer to Ministry of Health: Influenza diagnostic information (PDF)

What are the guidelines for treating influenza?

The Association of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Disease Canada (AMMI) provides comprehensive treatment guidelines. You can download the AMMI influenza treatment guidelines.

How can you protect your patients against influenza?

Recommend the flu shot to your patients. Research shows that when you recommend the flu shot, patients are more likely to get it. In fact:

• 8 out of 10 people follow their health care provider’s advice and get vaccinated

• When health care providers get their flu shot, they reduce the risk of passing the virus to vulnerable patients

Where can you learn more about the Universal Influenza Immunization Program (UIIP)?

Ontario offers free flu shots through the Universal Influenza Immunization Program (UIIP). For more information:

• Universal Influenza Immunization Program (UIIP)

• NACI Statement on Seasonal Influenza Vaccine

• Ministry of Health Health, Influenza Immunization Fact Sheet 

Which flu vaccine products are available?

Here are the available influenza vaccine products:

• Fluad®

• FluLaval® Tetra

• Fluzone® Quadrivalent

• Fluzone® High-Dose Quadrivalent

• Flucelvax Quad

The periodic replacement of viruses contained in the influenza vaccines is necessary in order for the vaccines to be effective due to the constant evolving nature of influenza viruses, including those circulating and infecting humans. Stay updated on current flu vaccine products and review the immunization guide from Health Canada:

How can you order and return flu vaccines?

To order or return vaccine, please refer to vaccine ordering and storage.