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Get a flu shot

A flu shot is recommended for healthy people 6 months of age and older if no contraindications are present.

However, for some people, it is especially important to receive the flu shot. According to the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) statement for the 2004-05 season, it is recommended that the following people should get the flu shot :

healthy children 6 to 23 months of age
anyone aged 65 or older
anyone aged 6 months and older with chronic heart or lung disease that requires medical or hospital care
anyone aged 6 months and older with chronic conditions such as diabetes or other metabolic diseases, cancer, kidney disease, blood disorders or weakened immune system
anyone who lives, works or volunteers in a nursing home, long-term care facility, chronic care facility, retirement home, hospital, or other healthcare setting
anyone aged 6 months and older who lives in the same household or is in contact with people at high risk of flu complications
anyone aged 6 months to 18 years who has been treated for long periods with aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid)
anyone who provides home care to people at high risk
pregnant women due to deliver during the flu season, as they will become household contacts to their newborns, as well as healthy women in the second or third trimester of pregnancy during the influenza season
emergency response workers (i.e., ambulance staff, fire fighters, police) and other essential service providers
anyone providing regular child care to children aged 0 to 23 months, whether in or out of the house
anyone providing services to people at high risk within closed or relatively closed settings (e.g., crews on ships)
anyone 6 months of age and older at high risk of complications travelling to areas of the world where the flu virus is circulating.

Anyone in direct contact with live poultry and/or involved in the slaughtering process is recommended to get a flu shot.

Protect yourself and the people around you by getting a free flu shot. It’s never been easier. See your doctor, nurse practitioner, pharmacist or employer. Or call 1-866-FLU-’N YOU (1-866-358-6968) (TTY 1-800-387-5559) to find a clinic near you.



For more information on Ontario's universal flu campaign, please call 1-866-FLU-'N YOU or 1-866-358-6968. In Toronto, call 416-327-0427, (TTY : 1-800-387-5559). Or, contact your local Public Health Unit.

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