Flu Virus
About the Flu Shot
- Should I get the seasonal flu shot?
- How well does the flu shot protect against the flu?
- Can the flu shot cause the flu?
- When should I get the flu shot?
- How many doses of the vaccine do I need?
- Do I have to pay for the flu shot?
- How can I keep track of my flu immunizations and other immunizations?
- What are the risks of the flu shot?
- What is Guillain-Barré Syndrome (or GBS)?
- When should I seek medical attention after immunization with the flu vaccine?
- Who should I talk to if I have any questions about the flu or any other vaccines?
Should I get the seasonal flu shot?
YES, because :
- Getting a flu shot is the best protection against getting the flu. It can reduce the risk of illness.
- Ontario is one of very few places in the world that offers free seasonal flu immunization to its residents.
- In the past, seasonal flu has resulted in approximately 19,000 hospitalizations every year in Ontario, as well as 300 deaths annually.
- Those at greatest risk from seasonal flu - and are strongly encouraged to get the seasonal flu shot - include :
- children 6-23 months old
- persons 65 years of age and older
- pregnant women
- adults and children with chronic health conditions, such as :
- heart or lung disease
- diabetes
- cancer and other conditions that compromise the immune system
- kidney disease
- diseases of the blood
- long-term treatment with aspirin® (children and adolescents only)
- Family members and those who provide care to the above listed are also strongly advised to get vaccinated against seasonal flu to protect themselves and those around them.
How well does the flu shot protect against the flu?
In past years, when there is a good match between the seasonal flu types in the vaccine and the flu types circulating in the community, the vaccine can prevent the flu in about 70% to 90% of healthy children and adults. Studies have shown that flu shots decrease the incidence of pneumonia, hospital admission and death in the elderly. Physician visits, hospitalization and death in high-risk persons less than 65 years of age are also reduced.
It takes about two weeks after the immunization to develop protection against the flu; protection may last up to one year. People who receive the vaccine can still get the flu, but if they do, it is usually milder. However, the flu shot will not protect against colds and other respiratory illnesses that may be mistaken for the flu but are not caused by the influenza virus.
Can the flu shot cause the flu?
No. The vaccine does not contain live virus so you cannot get the flu from the flu shot.
When should I get the flu shot?
It is best to get the flu shot as soon as possible. Flu activity typically continues until April. It is best to get the flu shot at the beginning of the season – however, the flu shot will continue to be available until the end of the season.
How many doses of the vaccine do I need?
Because the flu virus changes often, it is necessary to get immunized every year. This is to get protection against the new virus types that may be circulating each year.
For the seasonal flu vaccine, everyone should receive one dose of the vaccine except for children less than 9 years of age, who have never had the flu shot before. These children require two doses of flu vaccine at least one month apart.
Do I have to pay for the flu shot?
No. Flu shots are available free of charge to all Ontarians over the age of six months, who live, work or study in Ontario. The seasonal flu shot is available in physician offices and through community-based flu clinics which may be offered by public health units, Community Health Centres (CHCs), Community Care Access Centres (CCACs), Public Hospitals, Long-Term Care Homes (LTCHs), and pharmacies, as well as employer-sponsored clinics.
How can I keep track of my flu immunizations and other immunizations?
After you receive your flu shot, you should ask for a written record of your immunization from the doctor or nurse who administered your shot. Keep it in a safe place!
What are the risks of the flu shot?
The flu shot, like any medicine, is capable of causing side effects. The risk of the vaccine causing serious harm is extremely small. Most people who get the vaccine have either no side effects or mild side effects such as soreness, redness or swelling at the injection site. Life-threatening allergic reactions are very rare. If they do occur, it is usually within a few minutes to a few hours after receiving the vaccine. People are asked to stay at the clinic for 20 minutes after getting their shot, just to be sure. Health care providers at the clinic are trained to monitor and treat these possible reactions.
What is Guillain-Barré Syndrome (or GBS)?
GBS is a very uncommon disease that causes muscle paralysis and has been associated with certain infectious diseases. The risk of getting GBS from the flu is higher than getting GBS from the flu shot. Overall, the risk of GBS occurring in association with immunization is small. In comparison to the small risk of GBS, the risk of illness and death associated with influenza is much greater.
GBS is an acute illness characterized by sudden onset of weakness or paralysis. GBS has been reported rarely following influenza vaccination.
When should I seek medical attention after immunization with the flu vaccine?
You should seek medical attention if you believe that you, or someone in your care, is having a reaction to a vaccine. Any serious reaction to a flu shot should be reported to your health care provider who will report these occurrences to your local public health unit.
Who should I talk to if I have any questions about the flu or any other vaccines?
If you have questions about the vaccine that are specific to your medical condition, you should ask your doctor or call your local public health unit.
For More Information
For information about fluCall the ServiceOntario INFOline at 1-877-844-1944
TTY 1-800-387-5559
TTY (Toronto) 416-327-4282
Hours of operation : 8:30am - 5:00pm
Visit Telehealth Ontario or call 1-866-797-0000
TTY: 1-866-797-0007
Hours of operation : 24 hours, 7 days a week
Visit ontario.ca/healthcareoptions or call 1-866-330-6206.
To find a health care providerIf you don’t have a health care provider, you can register for the Health Care Connect program. Visit ontario.ca/healthcareconnect or call 1-800-445-1822.
