Influenza Immunization - "the flu shot"

The flu affects 5 to 10% of Canadians each year. While the majority who become sick will recover, the flu results in an average of 20,000 hospitalizations and 4,000 to 8,000 deaths in Canada each year.

Flu shot offers the best protection
Combined with regular hand washing, the flu shot is the best way to protect yourself and others from the virus. Canada's National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) encourages all Canadians over age six months to get a flu shot. It is particularly important for health professionals to be immunized to protect themselves and their patients.
 
Get your flu shot early
Each year there is a new vaccine to protect against new strains of the influenza virus. The best time to get your influenza vaccine is early, between October and December, before the number of influenza cases increases in Canada. But, the shot is still effective even if you put off getting it until later in the season. It takes about two weeks after immunization before the flu shot gives you full protection.  

YOUR FLU SEASON TOOLKIT

Prevent the flu

• Get a flu shot
• Find a flu shot clinic
• Wash your hands
• Practice cough etiquette
• Keep your immune system strong - eat well, stay active

Understanding Influenza (fact sheet)

Protect Yourself from the Flu (poster)

Flu Prevention Checklist

If you do get the flu

Complications of the flu

FightFlu.ca

Message from the Chief Public Health Officer

ALL CANADIANS SHOULD GET A FLU SHOT!

Flu shots are especially important for:

• people at high risk of influenza-related complications;
• people capable of transmitting influenza to individuals at high risk of complications;
• and people who provide essential community services.

Learn Why »

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