When are flu shots available in Canada? Everything you need to know about influenza and the vaccine ahead of flu season, according to an expert

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle.

Flu season is back. What begins with sniffles and runny noses can quickly escalate to something more severe. In Canada, influenza accounts for approximately 12,200 hospitalizations and 3,500 deaths each year.

Influenza, also known as the flu, is a respiratory infection most often caused by influenza A and B viruses. It can result in a wide range of symptoms including fever, cough, muscle aches, fatigue, loss of appetite, sore throat and runny nose.

While many people can manage these symptoms with over-the-counter medications, the flu presents a serious health risk for children, seniors, pregnant people and people with chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes or heart disease. These vulnerable groups can experience complications such as:

• Viral pneumonia

• Bacterial pneumonia

• Inflammation of the heart, brain or muscle tissue

• Sepsis

• Multi-organ failure

• Worsening symptoms of their existing chronic condition

Dr. Alison McGeer, an infectious disease specialist with Sinai Health in Toronto, says the flu shot is the best way to protect yourself — and others — from influenza this year.

Keep reading to learn more about the flu shot.

What are the benefits of the flu shot?

According to Sinai Health, flu shots contain a "deactivated or weakened version" of the flu to help your body develop antibodies to recognize and help fight the flu virus.

"Vaccination prevents serious illness, hospitalization and death due to influenza,” explains McGeer. “It also reduces the risk that you will pass the infection on to older or immunosuppressed persons you are in close contact with.”

Aside from helping to protect you from developing complications from the flu, they can help reduce the chance that you'll miss school, work or other important activities.

“Influenza vaccines have been used since 1945," McGeer says. "They are very safe and Canadian National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends them because there is no question that being vaccinated is safer for your health than leaving yourself unprotected.”

Who should get the flu vaccine?

NACI recommends that anyone over the age of six months get the influenza vaccine each year. There are certain groups for whom it’s particularly important:

• Anyone at high risk of severe disease, complications or hospitalization (pregnant people, children aged six months to five years, people aged 65 and older, anyone with chronic medical conditions or immunosuppressive conditions, anyone undergoing immunosuppressive treatments)

• Individuals capable of transmitting influenza to people at high risk such as healthcare workers

• Anyone who provides essential community services

• People in direct contact with poultry infected with avian influenza during culling operations

Does the flu shot have side effects?

Getting the flu shot is safer than getting the flu. Still, you might experience some mild side effects that can last for a few days after vaccination.

Common side effects can include:

• Pain, redness or swelling at the injection site

• Headache

• Fever

• Muscle aches or joint pain

• Fatigue

Check out the Canadian Immunization Guide for a full list of potential side effects.

What should you avoid after you get the flu shot?

There are no hard and fast rules about what to avoid after the flu shot. It’s a good idea to stay hydrated, rest and avoid strenuous activity for the first 24-48 hours — especially if you begin to experience mild side effects.

You may want to avoid drinking alcohol following the flu shot since it can suppress your immune system.

Can you still get the flu shot if you're sick?

You can still receive the flu shot if you're experiencing mild flu symptoms, like runny nose or sniffles. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises postponing your flu shot if you have a fever or more severe flu symptoms.

When should you get the flu shot?

Because flu shots weaken over time, it's important to ensure you're protected during peak flu season. McGeer suggests getting vaccinated in October or November, depending on when the vaccine is available in your province.

“You want to be protected before December but getting it too early (in September) means you will be less well-protected in March and April," McGeer says.

Are there different flu vaccines available?

Even though there are several companies who manufacture flu vaccines, McGeer says there's really "no difference" between them or their ability to protect you.

If you’re older than 65, your province or territory should provide you with one of two vaccines that offers stronger protection: a high-dose vaccine with a higher concentration of antigen or an adjuvanted vaccine with the regular amount of antigen and the addition of a local immune stimulant to increase immune response.

“As far as we can tell, these two vaccines are both better than regular vaccines, but are not different from each other,” says McGeer. “All provinces provide one or the other for older adults.”

McGeer also notes that there’s a nasal spray vaccine that’s available for people ages two to 59. “It is available in public programs in some provinces and can be purchased in others. Many insurance companies cover the cost.”

What other vaccines should you consider this fall?

Staying up to date on all standard vaccines like tetanus, measles, chickenpox, polio and hepatitis B can help keep you and your family healthy.

“This year, measles in particular has increased around the world. Making sure you are protected is important,” McGeer says.

In addition to standard vaccines and the flu shot, McGeer urges Canadians to receive the updated COVID-19 vaccines. New formulations of vaccines that can help protect against emerging variants were recently approved by Health Canada.

“SARS-CoV-2, the cause of COVID-19, although much less dangerous than it was, is still a major cause of serious illness and death in Canada,” she says.

Is it safe to receive your COVID-19 vaccine and the flu shot at the same time?

Yes, it's considered safe to receive your COVID-19 vaccine and flu shot at the same time.

McGeer says it's important to remember that each vaccine comes with its own side effects.

Receiving the vaccines together slightly increases your chances of experiencing mild side effects for the first few days after they're administered.

When and where to get the flu shot by province

Discover when the free influenza vaccine will be available in your area and where to book your appointment.

Alberta

The province has yet to confirm plans for its fall vaccination rollout, other than an anticipated launch date of Oct. 15.

When the vaccine becomes available, residents can use the Alberta Vaccine Booking System to schedule an appointment at an Alberta Health Services (AHS) clinic or a local pharmacy. Residents can also get in touch with their local public health unit or community health centre. If you don’t have an Alberta health card, call Health Link at 811.

British Columbia

Residents can register with the province’s Get Vaccinated program online or by phone (toll free at 1-833-838-2323) and will receive a text, email or phone call when it is time to book an appointment.

Manitoba

Manitoba has not yet released the date that influenza vaccines will be available, but they will be offered free of charge at primary care providers, walk-in clinics, Connected Care clinics, pharmacies and at local public health offices for people located outside Winnipeg. You can use this vaccine finder to search locations.

New Brunswick

In New Brunswick, children aged six months to 59 months can get the vaccine from their local public health office.

Adults and children over two can be vaccinated by a primary care provider or at a pharmacy. Older adults living in a long-term care residence can get their shots on site.

Midwives are able to give the flu shot to pregnant individuals.

When the vaccine becomes available, you can book your appointment online.

Newfoundland and Labrador

A representative from the Department of Health and Community Service tells Yahoo Canada that "Flu and COVID-19 vaccines will be available in late October for all eligible residents in Newfoundland and Labrador. Announcements will be forthcoming regarding availability and appointments."

Nova Scotia

COVID-19 and influenza vaccines will be offered as part of Nova Scotia's annual fall immunization program." Although no definitive dates have been provided, a representative tells Yahoo Canada "all details about fall vaccines and appointment bookings will be shared online at nshealth.ca/seasonal-vaccines."

Ontario

Flu shots will be available for Ontario's most vulnerable communities and high-priority individuals including hospital patients and staff as well as long-term care residents and staff in early October.

The general public (aged six months and older) will have access to the vaccine starting Oct. 28 at doctors’ and nurse practitioners’ offices and at some local public health units. Vaccines will be available for people above the age of two at participating pharmacies.

Click here for for more detail.

Prince Edward Island

Starting in mid-October, residents with a P.E.I. health card can get their free flu vaccine at a range of clinics across the province (which is also the only location you can get the FluMist® nasal spray).

You will be able to book an appointment online or by calling this toll-free number: 1-844-975-3303.

You may also be able to get the vaccine at your local pharmacy or through your family doctor or nurse practitioner.

Adults aged 65 and older should get the high-dose vaccine at a vaccination clinic or pharmacy.

Quebec

In Quebec, priority groups will be able to book their flu shot appointment in early October, either online or by calling 1-877-644-4545 from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

There will be an announcement in the coming weeks for the general population.

Saskatchewan

Influenza vaccination bookings will be available in Saskatchewan starting Oct. 8 on the SHA Patient Booking System.

You will also be able to call 1-833-727-5829 for assistance with booking on Monday to Friday from 8:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Appointments will begin Oct.15.

Northwest Territories

Information for the 2024/2025 season has not been released yet. Check back on this Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority page for updates.

Nunavut

Typically, the flu vaccine is available at all community health centres and public health units in Nunavut. The territory has not released information about the fall flu season.

Yukon

When the flu vaccine becomes available in the Yukon, you will be able to book an appointment online here. You can also request more information from your local health centre, depending on your region.

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