The seasonal flu and the flu shot: protect yourself, protect your community
The flu can spread easily and quickly to anyone, even before you know you are sick. Indigenous people with chronic health conditions or living in overcrowded homes are at a higher risk of hospitalization and serious health complications from the flu.
Getting the flu shot can help keep you and your community healthy.
On this page
The flu shot can save lives
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PDF flu factsheet
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- Young children, people over age 65, pregnant women and those who are in poor health are more likely to become very sick from the flu.
- The flu shot can help protect you and your family from the flu.
The flu shot works
- There are many different types of flu viruses. Every year, the flu shot protects against the expected 3 or 4 most common types of the virus.
- Everyone responds differently to the flu shot. The shot can either prevent the flu entirely or reduce the severity of the sickness.
- It usually takes 2 to 4 weeks to build protection after you get the flu shot.
- The flu shot does not prevent colds because they are caused by different germs.
The flu shot is safe
- You cannot get the flu virus from the flu shot.
- Most people do not have significant side effects from the flu shot.
- Serious side effects are very rare.
- If you have concerns or questions about the flu shot, talk to your nurse or doctor.
Who should get the flu shot
- Everyone 6 months of age and older.
- If you are pregnant or have an allergy to eggs, you can still safely get the flu shot.
Visit your community health centre, nursing station or local healthcare provider to get your flu shot.
Resources for families
Share traditions, not the flu
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PDF for families
(0.89 MB, 1 page)
Children under 5 years are at higher risk of serious complications from the flu.
Protect yourself, your family and your community:
- get the flu vaccine every year
- clean your hands often
- cough and sneeze into your arm
- keep shared surfaces and objects clean
- stay home and away from others if you feel sick
Contact your health centre or local healthcare provider to find out how to get your flu shot.
Resources for seniors
Share traditions, not the flu
Alternate Format
PDF for seniors
(858 Kb, 1 page)
Adults 65 years and older are at higher risk of complications from the flu.
Protect yourself, your family and your community:
- get the flu vaccine every year
- clean your hands often
- cough and sneeze into your arm
- keep shared surfaces and objects clean
- stay home and away from others if you feel sick
Contact your health centre or local healthcare provider to find out how to get your flu shot.