Flu Shots 2021 - 2022

FLU SHOTS ARE IN! 

It is important that everyone who can get their flu vaccine, do so this year. It will protect you from the flu or reduce the severity of illness from the flu. It may also help you avoid unnecessary health care visits or COVID-19 testing, as the symptoms are very similar. 

WHERE CAN YOU GET A FLU SHOT THIS SEASON? 

Our clinic is offering flu shots to our patients. 

This will be done by appointment only; no walk-in flu shots will be given.  

Priority will be given to high risk patients.

See below for details.

Participating Pharmacies

If it is more convenient, we encourage you to get your flu shot at your local pharmacy. 

Pharmacies are offering the senior’s high dose vaccines for those 65 and older.

Please inform us if you receive your flu shot at a pharmacy so that we can keep our records up to date.

Drive thru flu-shot clinics

North York Family Health Team will be holding a drive-through flu-shot clinic for the next few Saturdays. This will be open to the public so you do not need to be a patient of any particular office. Their clinics are weather permitting so please check their website http://nyfht.com/get-your-flu-shot/.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO RECEIVE YOUR FLU SHOT AT OUR CLINIC:

1.  Please call the clinic to book a date and time for your flu shot

- bookings will depend on the supply we receive from Public Health

- priority will be given to high risk patients

- our nurse will be administering the flu shot; please do not expect to see you doctor on the same day

2. On the day of your appointment:

-  please arrive on time (not early or late)

- family members or friends will NOT be permitted into the clinic unless you need assistance with mobility

- wear a short-sleeved shirt to allow easy access to your shoulder where the vaccine will be given. There are no facilities for patients to undress for the flu shot clinic. 

3. Once you receive your flu shot, you will be asked to wait in a socially distanced waiting room for up to 15 minutes to ensure you do not experience a negative reaction to the vaccine. 

Please refer to the 2021-2022 Influenza Vaccine Fact Sheet – City of Toronto for detailed information about the flu shots available this year, their benefits and risks.

1. Are flu shots covered under OHIP?

Yes. Anyone with a valid Ontario Health card can get the flu shot free of charge. 

2. Does the flu shot protect against COVID19?

No. However, getting the flu shot is more important than ever during 2021-2022 to protect yourself and the people around you from flu, and to help reduce the strain on healthcare systems responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.

3. Does the Flu Shot work right away?

No. It takes about 2 weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against influenza virus infection. It is best to get vaccinated before influenza virus starts to spred in your community. 

4. How effective is the flu shot?

Flu vaccine effectiveness varies from season to season, depending on the age and health status of the person getting vaccinated, and the similarity or "match" between the viruses in the vaccine and those in circulation. It is possible to get sick with the flu even if you have been vaccinated, however flu vaccine has been shown to reduce the severity of illness in the people who got vaccinated but still get sick.