The Flu Shot
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The Flu Shot
The Flu Shot
Based on eligibility and vaccine availability at select pharmacy locations.
What you need to know about the flu shot
Get answers to your questions
COVID-19, Cold or Flu: Know The Difference
If you’re feeling sick, it can be difficult to tell the difference between them.
Flu Shot FAQ
Answers to commonly asked questions about the flu shot.
Protect Yourself and Your Family
At your pharmacy your health is important to us. Although evidence has shown that hand washing is vital to prevent the spread of infections, vaccines also play a role. All individuals, age 6 months and older, should consider getting an annual vaccination for the flu. This is a simple, effective and convenient way to help prevent the flu and its consequences.
Flu Shot FAQ
The flu (short for influenza) continues to be a major concern in our society today. In fact, this virus which affects many Canadians each year, can be severe, even fatal, and can spread incredibly fast.
According to Health Canada, individuals with the following health conditions have a higher risk of complications from the flu:
- cancer and other immune compromising conditions
- diabetes
- heart disease
- lung disease
- anemia
- obesity
- kidney disease
- neurological or neurodevelopmental conditions
- children up to 18 years of age undergoing treatment for long periods with acetylsalicylic acid (ASA).
Vaccination against the flu significantly reduces the transmission of the virus, helping to save many lives each year.
Nowadays, people may confuse symptoms of the flu, a common cold and COVID‑19. Please note that the flu shot will not protect you against COVID‑19.
The symptoms of the flu include:
- cancer and other immune compromising conditions
- high fever
- coughing
- muscular aches
- generalized discomfort that lasts several days
- feeling unusually tired
In addition, the flu can can potentially cause serious medical complications, including pneumonia, hospitalization, and death.
The flu virus is contantly changing. This requires the creation of a new flu vaccine each year to target the virus most likely to affect our community this season.
Everyone, age 6 months and older, is encouraged to get a flu shot. It is even more important for:
- people age 65 and older
- individuals with underlying medical conditions
- individuals in contact with those at a high risk of developing complications:
- healthcare workers
- daycare workers
- individuals in contact with high-risk individuals
- individuals close to infants under 6 months
- providers of essential community services: firefighters, police, ambulance drivers, etc.
It’s possible that the flu vaccine isn’t suitable for you. Talk to your pharmacist or a healthcare professional if:
- you have already suffered from the Guillain-Barré syndrome or an oculo-respiratory syndrome after being vaccinated against the flu;
- you have already had an allergy or a severe reaction to the flu vaccine or one of its components;
- you have an illness that causes fever;
- you have a severe allergy to eggs.
There are a number of myths about the safety of vaccines. If you have doubts, talk to your pharmacist or doctor.
The vaccine is generally well tolerated. When there are side effects, they are usually mild and temporary. Pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site are among the most frequent side effects. Taking acetaminophen may alleviate the symptoms. Talk to your pharmacist for recommendations.
Other symptoms may also appear temporarily for a few days. They resemble symptoms of the flu, but are much milder: body ache, headache, runny nose, fever, cough or throat irritation.
A new flu vaccine is available each fall.
Visit the Ontario Ministry of Health website for information about the provincial flu vaccination campaign or speak to your pharmacist.
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