Getting an annual flu shot and updated COVID-19 vaccine offers the best protection from serious illness during respiratory illness season, which generally runs from October to April each year. Receiving these immunizations helps maximize protection against severe illness during the winter months when peak circulation of respiratory viruses is happening. You can safely get your flu and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time. See the drop-downs below for more information about each vaccine.
How to book an appointment
Appointments will be offered in the coming weeks. You can book an appointment in one of the following ways:
- Book with your local pharmacy
- Most pharmacies that offer vaccines can provide both the flu shot (for ages 2 and older) and COVID-19 vaccine (for ages 6 months and older).
- Contact your family doctor or primary care provider.
- Book with WDG Public Health
- Public Health flu and COVID vaccine clinics have ended. If you are unable to find an appointment or need an appointment for a child under 2, please call 1-800-265-7293 ext. 7006 for assistance.
More information
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COVID vaccine information
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About the COVID vaccine
For the fall of 2025, WDG Public Health will offer an updated mRNA COVID-19 vaccine targeting the LP.8.1 variant to everyone ages 6 months and older.
Please note: Novavax Nuvaxovid will not be available in Ontario for the 2025/2026 vaccine program.
The COVID vaccine is administered by a single dose in the upper arm.
Who should get a fall COVID vaccine
Those at high risk including:
- Adults 65 years and older (especially 80+)
- Residents of long-term care and congregate living settings for seniors.
- Individuals 6 months and older who are moderately to severely immunocompromised (due to an underlying condition or treatment).
- Individuals who identify as First Nations, Inuit or Metis and their non-Indigenous household members.
- Pregnant individuals.
- Members of racialized and other equity-denied communities.
- Health care workers and other care providers in facilities and community settings.
Priority populations including:
- Children 6 months to 4 years of age
- Individuals with significant exposure to birds or mammals through interactions with them.
General public including:
- All individuals 6 months of age and older
How to book an appointment
You can book your COVID-19 vaccine through:
- Your local pharmacy
- Your family doctor or primary care provider
- WDG Public Health
Side effects
Most side effects from the COVID-19 vaccine are mild and go away within a few days, including:
- Soreness at injection site, redness, swelling
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Chills
- Mild fever
What to do:
- Put a clean, cold cloth over the sore area.
- Continue to move your arm as much as possible.
- If needed, you can take over-the-counter medicine for pain/fever.
If you have severe or unusual symptoms after vaccination, seek medical attention immediately.
To learn more about COVID-19 vaccines, visit Ontario’s COVID-19 Vaccines page or download our COVID-19 Vaccine Fact Sheet (PDF).
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Flu vaccine information
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About the flu vaccine
The flu vaccine helps protect you from getting the flu and can reduce the severity of illness if you do get sick.
For the 2025-2026 flu season, the following vaccines are available:
- Trivalent Inactivated Vaccine (TIV): For ages 6 months and older.
- High-Dose Trivalent Inactivated Vaccine (TIV-HD): For ages 65 and older.
- Adjuvanted Trivalent Inactivated Vaccine (TIV-adj): For ages 65 and older.
All available flu vaccines are effective and it is recommended to get your flu shot as soon as it is available to you.
The flu vaccine is administered by a single dose in the upper arm.
Who should get a flu shot
- It is recommended for everyone 6 months and older.
- It is highly recommended for those in high-risk groups, including:
- Residents in congregate living settings
- Adults aged 65 and older
- Pregnant people
- Young children (6 months to 4 years)
- Individuals with certain health conditions
- People in or from First Nations, Métis or Inuit communities
How to book an appointment
Children 6 months to 2 years old can get their flu shot from a doctor, nurse practitioner or Public Health. Children under 2 years old cannot get a flu shot at a pharmacy. Everyone ages 2 and older can book a flu shot through your local pharmacy, doctor or primary care provider or Public Health.
Side effects
Common side effects are usually mild and go away within a few days, including:
- Redness, swelling and/or soreness where the needle was given
- Headache
- Feeling tired
- Low-grade fever
What to do:
- Put a clean, cold cloth over the sore area
- Continue to move your arm to reduce soreness
- Rest and drink plenty of fluids
- If needed, you can take over-the-counter pain medicine for pain/fever.
If side effects are severe or persistent, contact your health care provider.
To learn more about the flu vaccine, visit the Ontario Ministry of Health Flu page or download our Influenza Vaccine Fact Sheet (PDF).
If you have questions or need assistance booking an appointment, please call 1-800-265-7293 ext. 7006 (leave a message if prompted) to speak to a public health nurse.