Flu Shots in Canada: Who Should Get One and When

Influenza causes thousands of hospitalizations and can cause deaths in Canada each year. The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends annual flu vaccination for everyone aged 6 months and older. The flu vaccine is updated annually to match circulating strains. In Canada, flu shots are publicly funded (free) in most provinces and are typically available starting in October. High-priority groups who should get vaccinated include adults over 65, children aged 6 months to 5 years, pregnant individuals, residents of long-term care facilities, healthcare workers, and people with chronic conditions (asthma, diabetes, heart disease, immunosuppression). The best time to get vaccinated is in October or November, before flu season peaks. However, vaccination later in the season still provides benefit. Common side effects are mild and temporary: soreness at the injection site, low-grade fever, and muscle aches. The flu shot cannot give you the flu - it uses inactivated virus or a synthetic protein. Not sure where to get a flu shot? In most provinces, pharmacists can administer flu vaccines. Your physician\'s office, public health units, and some workplaces also offer them. *This article is for informational purposes only.*

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Content reviewed by licensed Canadian physicians. Last updated February 2026.