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
You can book an appointment for your fall flu and COVID-19 vaccines 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.
If you are having trouble finding an appointment, please contact Public Health at 1-800-265-7293 ext. 7006.
More information
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COVID vaccine information
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About the COVID vaccine
This fall, WDG Public Health will offer two updated mRNA COVID-19 vaccines targeting the Omicron KP.2 variant. Moderna will be offered for children ages 6 months to 11 years and Pfizer will be offered for ages 12 and older.
The COVID vaccine is administered by a single dose in the upper arm.
Who should get a fall COVID vaccine
It is recommended everyone 6 months and older get an updated COVID-19 vaccine this fall.
Vaccination is strongly recommended for those at higher-risk including:
- Adults 65+
- Individuals aged 6 months and older who:
- Live in long-term care or other congregate settings
- Are pregnant
- Belong to First Nations, Métis, or Inuit communities
- Have underlying medical conditions placing them at higher risk
- Are healthcare workers or first responders
How to book an appointment
You can book your COVID-19 vaccine through:
- Your local pharmacy
- Your family doctor or primary care provider
- Public Health if you cannot secure an appointment elsewhere. Call 1-800-265-7293 ext. 7006 for assistance.
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 2024/2025 flu season, the following vaccines are available:
- Quadrivalent Inactivated Vaccine (QIV): For ages 6 months and older.
- High-Dose Quadrivalent Inactivated Vaccine (QIV-HD): For ages 65 and older. *Not available at WDG Public Health. Please contact your doctor or primary care provider, or local pharmacy to check availability.
- 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:
- Pregnant women
- Seniors aged 65 and older
- Young children (6 months to 4 years)
- Individuals with certain health conditions
- Caregivers and those who live with high-risk individuals
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.