Flu Season 2026: When and Where to Get Vaccinated in Toronto
Flu season is underway in Ontario, and getting your annual flu vaccine is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself, your family, and your community from serious respiratory illness. The Universal Influenza Immunization Program offers influenza vaccine free of charge each year to all individuals 6 months of age and older who live, work, or go to school in Ontario . Free flu and COVID-19 vaccines are now available to everyone six months and older who lives, works or goes to school in Ontario . Whether you are looking for a convenient pharmacy near your home, want to get vaccinated at your family doctor's office, or need to find a public health clinic for your young child, this guide explains when to get your flu shot, where to find it in Toronto, and what to expect this flu season.
When should I get my flu shot this season?
Free flu and COVID-19 shots will be available to Ontarians as of Oct. 27 at participating pharmacies, some public health units and doctor's offices . COVID-19 vaccines will be available for certain high-risk and priority groups starting the week of Sept. 22, while flu vaccines will be available to those same individuals starting the week of Sept. 29 . High-risk and priority groups include adults aged 65 and older, residents and staff in long-term care homes and retirement homes, healthcare workers, pregnant people, and individuals with certain chronic medical conditions. For everyone else, flu shots became widely available at the end of October 2025. The best time to get vaccinated is as soon as the vaccine is available to you, ideally before flu activity picks up in your community. Getting vaccinated in the fall provides protection throughout the winter months when flu typically peaks.
Who is eligible for a free flu shot in Ontario?
The Universal Influenza Immunization Program offers influenza vaccine free of charge each year to all individuals 6 months of age and older who live, work, or go to school in Ontario . This means that every Ontario resident, regardless of age, citizenship, or immigration status, can receive a free flu vaccine. An Ontario health card is not needed to get your vaccines at a pharmacy or community health centre . You do not need an Ontario health card to access the free flu vaccine, and pharmacies and public health clinics will vaccinate you even if you do not have OHIP coverage. The flu vaccine is especially important for certain groups who are at higher risk of serious complications from influenza, including young children under 5, adults 65 and older, pregnant people, people with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease, and healthcare workers.
Where can I get a flu shot in Toronto?
Flu vaccines are widely available across Toronto at multiple convenient locations. Vaccines are available at primary care offices and participating pharmacies . Most Toronto pharmacies, including Shoppers Drug Mart, Rexall, Costco, and independent pharmacies, offer flu shots, and many accept walk-ins as well as appointments. Most pharmacies book appointments ahead of time and many allow walk-ins. Vaccine availability may vary. Call ahead to ensure the pharmacy has supply before going . You can also receive a flu shot at your family doctor or nurse practitioner's office if they are offering flu vaccines this season. Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are available for children ages six months to four years old by appointment at Toronto Public Health community clinics . Walk-in clinics across Toronto also provide flu vaccinations, often without requiring an appointment, making them a convenient option for busy schedules.
Can I get my flu shot at a pharmacy without an appointment?
Yes, many Toronto pharmacies offer walk-in flu shots, though some prefer or require appointments, especially during peak times. Call or visit their website to check if you need an appointment or if walk-in vaccinations are available . To find a pharmacy near you that offers flu vaccines, you can use the Ontario government's vaccine location finder at ontario.ca/vaccine-locations, where you can search by postal code and see which pharmacies are participating in the program. Calling ahead is always a good idea to confirm that the pharmacy has vaccine supply available and to ask whether you need to book an appointment or if they accept walk-ins. Many pharmacies also offer extended evening and weekend hours, making it easier to fit vaccination into your schedule.
What if my child is under 2 years old?
Children under 2 years old cannot get a flu shot at a pharmacy but can receive a flu shot from a doctor, nurse practitioner or a local public health unit . Pharmacists in Ontario are authorized to administer flu vaccines to children aged 2 and older, but infants and toddlers under 2 need to receive their flu shot from a healthcare provider or public health clinic. Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are available for children ages six months to four years old by appointment at Toronto Public Health community clinics . If your child does not have a family doctor, you can contact Toronto Public Health to book an appointment at one of their community clinics, or visit a walk-in clinic that provides pediatric services. Flu vaccination is especially important for young children, as they are at higher risk of complications from influenza.
Can I get my flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine at the same time?
Yes, it is safe and recommended to receive your flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine during the same visit. It is safe and convenient to get your flu vaccine at the same time, before or after a COVID-19 vaccine, Respiratory Syncytial Virus vaccine, or any other routine vaccines . The Ministry of Health recommends getting both the COVID-19 and flu shots at the same time every fall in order to protect against respiratory illness . Getting both vaccines together can save you time and provides protection against the two most common respiratory viruses circulating during the fall and winter. Many pharmacies and clinics offer both vaccines, and you can request to receive them during the same appointment. Some people experience mild side effects like soreness at the injection site or fatigue, but these are temporary and far outweigh the benefits of being protected against both flu and COVID-19.
Are there different types of flu vaccines available?
There are five products available for administration in this season's publicly funded influenza immunization program . For adults aged 65 and older, Ontario offers high-dose or adjuvanted flu vaccines, which are specifically designed to provide stronger immune responses in older adults whose immune systems may not respond as robustly to standard-dose vaccines. Per NACI recommendations for individuals 65 years of age and older, TIV-HD and TIV-adj both appear to provide better protection compared to TIV . If you are 65 or older, ask your pharmacist or doctor for the high-dose or adjuvanted vaccine, as these are available free of charge under Ontario's immunization program. For most other people, the standard-dose flu vaccine is recommended. Other flu vaccines not publicly funded for the 2025-26 season, including FluMist (intranasal spray) and Supemtek (recombinant protein vaccine) may be purchased by patients at a pharmacy . These non-publicly funded options are available for purchase if you prefer them, but the publicly funded vaccines are highly effective and free.
How effective is the flu vaccine?
Flu vaccine effectiveness varies from year to year depending on how well the vaccine matches the circulating flu strains, but even in years when the match is not perfect, the vaccine significantly reduces the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Even if you had flu in the past, it's important to get vaccinated every fall as protection can decrease over time and vaccines are updated each year to try to match the new strains expected to spread . The flu virus changes constantly, which is why a new vaccine is formulated each year based on predictions about which strains will be most common. Even if you get the flu after being vaccinated, your symptoms are likely to be much milder than if you had not been vaccinated. Vaccination also helps protect people around you who may be more vulnerable to serious complications, such as infants, elderly family members, and people with weakened immune systems.
What are the symptoms of the flu and how is it different from a cold?
People who get the flu usually have fever, muscle aches and cough. Other symptoms include headache, sore throat, chills, loss of appetite and feeling tired. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may also occur, especially in children . The flu is not the same as a cold. Unlike the common cold, the flu can develop into more serious health problems, such as pneumonia or the worsening of pre-existing medical conditions . Flu symptoms tend to come on suddenly and are more severe than cold symptoms. Most people will recover within a week to 10 days , but some people, especially those in high-risk groups, can develop complications that require hospitalization. If you experience severe symptoms like difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, or symptoms that improve but then worsen again, seek medical attention immediately.
What else can I do to protect myself during flu season?
While vaccination is the most important step you can take to protect yourself and others, there are more steps we can all take to reduce virus spread . Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after coughing, sneezing, or being in public spaces. Avoid touching your face, particularly your eyes, nose, and mouth, as this is how viruses enter your body. Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow rather than your hands. Stay home if you are sick to avoid spreading illness to others, and avoid close contact with people who are ill. During periods of high respiratory illness activity, consider wearing a mask in crowded indoor settings, especially if you are at higher risk of complications or if you are caring for someone who is vulnerable. Good ventilation, adequate sleep, a healthy diet, and regular physical activity also support your immune system and overall health during flu season.
What should I do if I get the flu?
If you develop flu symptoms, stay home from work, school, or other activities to avoid spreading the virus to others. Rest, drink plenty of fluids, and use over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to manage fever and aches. Most people recover at home without needing medical treatment. However, if you are in a high-risk group, such as being over 65, pregnant, or having a chronic health condition, contact your healthcare provider early in your illness, as antiviral medications like Tamiflu can reduce the severity and duration of flu if started within the first 48 hours of symptoms. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience warning signs of complications, including difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, persistent chest or abdominal pain, sudden dizziness or confusion, severe or persistent vomiting, or flu symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worse cough.
Is the flu vaccine safe for pregnant people?
Yes, the flu vaccine is not only safe during pregnancy, it is strongly recommended. All pregnant people because their immune system, heart and lungs change, especially later in pregnancy, making them more likely to get seriously ill from the flu . Pregnant people are at higher risk of severe complications from influenza, including hospitalization and preterm labor. Getting vaccinated during pregnancy also protects your baby during the first months of life, as antibodies from the vaccine pass through the placenta and provide protection to your newborn before they are old enough to be vaccinated themselves. The flu vaccine can be safely given at any stage of pregnancy, and it does not cause miscarriage or birth defects. If you are pregnant and have questions or concerns about the flu vaccine, talk to your healthcare provider.
How do I find a pharmacy or clinic offering flu shots near me?
Enter a postal code to find a pharmacy offering vaccines using the Ontario government's vaccine location finder at ontario.ca/vaccine-locations. This tool allows you to search by postal code and shows participating pharmacies, their hours of operation, and whether they accept walk-ins or require appointments. You can also call your family doctor's office, a walk-in clinic, or a community health centre in your neighbourhood to ask if they are offering flu vaccines this season. Toronto Public Health's website at toronto.ca provides information about public health clinics offering flu vaccines for children under 5 and for people without OHIP coverage. Many pharmacies also list their flu shot availability on their websites or through phone calls, making it easy to find a convenient location near you.
Key tips for getting your flu shot this season
- Get vaccinated as soon as possible: The earlier you get your flu shot, the sooner you are protected before flu activity peaks in your community.
- You do not need an OHIP card: The flu vaccine is free for everyone in Ontario aged 6 months and older, regardless of health coverage or immigration status.
- Call ahead to confirm availability: Before visiting a pharmacy or clinic, call to make sure they have flu vaccine in stock and ask whether you need an appointment.
- Children under 2 need a healthcare provider or public health clinic: Pharmacies cannot administer flu shots to children under 2 years old, so book with your doctor or Toronto Public Health.
- Get flu and COVID-19 vaccines together: It is safe and convenient to receive both vaccines during the same visit to maximize your protection.
- Seniors should ask for high-dose or adjuvanted vaccine: If you are 65 or older, these vaccines provide better protection and are available free of charge.
- Practice layered protection: Combine vaccination with good hand hygiene, staying home when sick, and other preventive measures to reduce your risk.
Getting your flu shot is a simple and effective way to protect yourself and your community during flu season. With free vaccines available across Toronto at pharmacies, doctor's offices, walk-in clinics, and public health locations, there are plenty of convenient options to fit your schedule. Whether you are vaccinating yourself, your children, or elderly family members, taking this step now can help you stay healthy and reduce the impact of flu on Ontario's healthcare system this winter.