Unless there is a medical reason not to, everyone aged 6 months or older can benefit from getting the flu shot. Getting the shot is also very important for some people because they have a greater risk of developing complications from the flu. Or they may spread it to others at high risk because they are in close contact or live in the same household. It is recommended that all eligible Ontarians receive the flu shot. Remember, you need a flu shot every year. The risk of the vaccine causing serious harm is very small. However, you should always discuss the benefits and risks of any vaccination with your health care provider.

All individuals aged 6 months or older who live, work or attend school in Ontario are eligible to receive the publicly funded influenza vaccine through the Universal Influenza Immunization Program (UIIP).

In the event of a temporarily limited vaccine supply, priority should be given to the immunization of the high priority groups; these include :

1. persons at high risk of influenza-related complications
2. persons capable of transmitting influenza to those at high risk of influenza-related complications and
3. others

1. Persons at High Risk of Influenza-related Complications :
   1. Adults and children with chronic health conditions, that require regular medical follow up or hospital care. These high risk conditions include the following :
      • Heart or lung disorders
      • Diabetes and other metabolic diseases
      • Cancer and other conditions that decrease immunity
      • Kidney disease
      • Diseases of the blood
      • Medical conditions that affect the management of respiratory (chest) secretions
      • Long term treatment with acetylsalicylic acid "aspirin" (Children and adolescents only)
   2. People of any age who are residents of nursing homes or other chronic care facilities.
   3. People 65 years of age or over.
   4. Healthy children aged 6-23 months.
2. Persons Capable of Transmitting Influenza to those at High Risk of Influenza-related Complications :
   1. Health care workers and other care providers in facilities and community settings, and emergency response personnel who, through their activities, could transmit influenza to persons at high risk of influenza complications.
   2. Household contacts (adults and children) of persons at high risk of influenza complications (whether or not the "high risk" persons have been immunized). These contacts include household contacts of children less than 6 months of age (who are at high risk of complications from influenza but for whom there is no effective available vaccine) and of children aged 6 to 23 months. Pregnant women should be immunized in their third trimester if they are expected to deliver during influenza season, as they will become household contacts of their newborn.
   3. Those providing regular child care to children aged 0 to 23 months, whether in or out of the home.
   4. Those who provide services within closed or relatively closed settings to persons at high risk (e.g. crew on ships).
3. Other High Priority Persons :
   1. Persons in direct contact with avian-influenza infected poultry during culling operations.

The following persons should not get the influenza vaccine:

• Infants under six months of age (the current vaccine is not recommended for this age group).
• Anyone with a serious allergy (anaphylaxis) to eggs or egg products. A serious allergic reaction usually means that the person develops hives, swelling of the mouth and throat or has trouble breathing after eating eggs or egg products.
• Anyone who has a severe allergy to any component of the vaccine. Your health care provider can tell you which components are in the specific vaccine. Some vaccines contain small quantities of antibiotics or preservatives.
• Anyone who had a serious allergic reaction to a previous dose of the influenza vaccine.
• It is not known whether the influenza vaccine causes an increased risk of recurrent Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) in persons who previously had GBS. Anyone who developed GBS within 8 weeks of a previous influenza immunization should avoid influenza immunization in the future.

• Anyone who is ill with a fever should usually wait until the fever goes down before being immunized.
• Immunization should be delayed in individuals with active neurologic disorders, but should be considered when the disease process has been stabilized.
• Anyone with an acute respiratory infection or any other active infection (until it subsides).

If you are looking for general information about influenza or the vaccine, the province's Universal Influenza Immunization Program, or the location of a clinic near you, please call: 1-877-844-1944 (TTY#1-800-387-5559) or visit website: www.health.gov.on.ca.

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.

INFOline : 1-877-844 1944 toll free in Ontario (TTY: 1-800-387-5559)
Telehealth Ontario : 1-866-797-0000 (TTY: 1-866-797-0007)

Or call your local public health unit.

Version francaise disponible en communiquant avec le 1 877 844 1944 ATS : 1 800 387-5559
Web site : www.SanteOntario.com

© Queen's Printer for Ontario, 2006  |  Privacy Policy  |  Disclaimers  |   Last Modified :