ThunderBayFlu.ca

Pharmacies

Visit a pharmacy to get your flu shot. Pharmacists can only immunize children ages 5 and older and an Ontario Health Card is needed.

*Note that Fluzone High-Dose for seniors 65+ is not available in pharmacies; it is available only through health care providers (i.e. physicians and nurse practitioners) and other settings like long-term care homes and hospitals.

Health Care Providers

Visit your healthcare provider to get your flu shot. Health care providers can immunize anyone 6 months of age or older. A health card is needed.

The flu vaccine is available to everyone over the age of 6 months. It is recommended that everyone who is able to gets their flu shot.

However, there are some who are strongly recommended to get a flu shot:

• those who are at a higher risk for complications;
• anyone who cares for someone who is at higher risk for complications.

Those who are at a higher risk of complications

• People of any age with a chronic illness; heart disease, lung disease (e.g. asthma), liver disease or diabetes
• People over the age of 65
• People who live in nursing homes or other chronic care homes
• Healthy children who are 5 years of age and younger
• Healthy pregnant women (risk increases with length of pregnancy; higher risk in third vs second trimester)
• Indigenous people
• Young children and infants under 6 months old who cannot get the flu shot

Anyone who cares for someone who is at higher risk for complications

• Health care workers in hospitals and other care facilities
• People who live with or take care of someone who is at high risk from complications (see the above list) 
• People who live with or take care of a newborn under 6 months as these infants are too young to get the flu shot
• People who live with someone expecting a newborn during flu season
• People who give care to children less than 59 months (e.g. 5 years)

Kids need the flu shot too!! Here are 5 reasons why:

1. The flu can make kids really sick with complications like bronchitis or pneumonia.
2. The flu shot gives developing immune systems a boost by teaching the body to fight the flu.
3. No missed work or school; sick kids have to stay home.
4. Protecting your child also protects others at higher risk, especially babies and grandparents.
5. The flu shot is closely monitored in Canada and has an excellent safety record.

Infectious Diseases Toolkit: Influenza Information for Health Care Providers