Toronto Public Health is launching an annual influenza vaccination campaign, starting with people living in the highest-risk environments

press release

October 14, 2022

Toronto Public Health (TPH) has launched its annual influenza (flu) vaccination campaign in preparation for a surge in respiratory viruses this fall as the weather turns colder and people go indoors. This week, TPH launched its campaign by offering flu shots to protect some of the city’s most vulnerable residents, such as -in sites.

TPH is preparing for annual flu vaccine clinics and is encouraging all Toronto residents to get their free flu vaccine as soon as it becomes available to them in the next few weeks. Influenza vaccines are only given by appointment at TPH vaccination clinics.

People five years and older can receive their COVID-19 fall booster dose and flu vaccine at the same vaccination date. Visit the Toronto Public Health Appointment Booking System website for more information.

In November, Toronto residents can get their flu vaccine at one of more than 700 participating Toronto pharmacies or through their GP to help them stay protected this flu season.

TPH monitors influenza activity in Toronto. Between September 1 and October 8, TPH received reports of 81 laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza and one influenza outbreak at a Toronto healthcare facility. This is higher than the five-year average prior to the COVID-19 pandemic (2014/15 to 2018/19) of 11.6 influenza cases (between five and 18 cases) and no institutional influenza outbreaks over the same period.

Starting today, TPH will resume publishing weekly data on the status of influenza in Toronto. The data will be posted on the Information for Healthcare Professionals page by 3:00 p.m. on Fridays.

According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, the flu spreads very easily from person to person through droplets produced by coughing, sneezing or speaking. A person can also get the flu by touching a surface or object that has the flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or eyes. To prevent co-infection of COVID-19 and influenza, residents are encouraged to receive both the flu vaccine and a COVID-19 booster vaccine as soon as possible.

Influenza can spread to others before symptoms even appear. Typical flu symptoms can resemble those of COVID-19 and include sudden onset of high fever, chills, sore throat, cough and muscle aches. Other common symptoms include headaches, loss of appetite, and fatigue. Recovery from the flu usually takes a week to 10 days, but in some people it can make existing conditions like asthma or heart disease worse, or develop into more serious health problems like pneumonia. In rare cases it can be fatal.

The people most vulnerable to the effects of the flu include adults 65 years and older, those with chronic health conditions, those with neurological or neurodevelopmental disabilities, residents of nursing homes and chronic care facilities, children aged six months to five years, pregnant women individuals and indigenous peoples. For more information on flu, visit the 2022/2023 Season Flu Prevention webpage.

Toronto is home to more than 2.9 million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the most diverse and livable cities in the world. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation, and consistently tops international rankings for investments encouraged by government, residents and businesses. Visit the city’s website for more information or follow us TwitterInstagram or Facebook.