TORONTO: Toronto Public Health (TPH) kicked off the City’s annual flu vaccination campaign this week by bringing vaccine to those who are at increased risk of serious illness.
TPH is collaborating with Inner City Health Associates (ICHA) to offer the flu vaccination to homeless and under-housed individuals in shelters and drop-in settings to protect some of our city’s most vulnerable residents. TPH is also preparing for annual public flu vaccination clinics and encouraging all Torontonians to get their free flu vaccine when it becomes available to them in early November. More information.
Children Flu vaccine is available to anyone over six months of age. Children under nine years of age, with no previous flu vaccination, will need a second dose at least 4 weeks after the first dose. Each of the flu vaccines protects against four strains of influenza virus. Depending on your child’s age, any flu vaccine can be used for either dose.
Adults 65+ Influenza can make older adults very sick. Two vaccines are approved just for seniors to give better protection against the flu. A high-dose flu vaccine (Fluzone® QIV-HD) is the preferred choice for adults 65 years and older. If this vaccine is not available, then Fluad® is recommended. This vaccine is an adjuvanted vaccine. An adjuvant is a substance added to a vaccine that helps to boost your immune response to give stronger protection. If neither of these vaccines are available, do not delay in getting vaccinated. All flu vaccines provide good protection.
In Pregnancy Getting the flu can be serious during pregnancy. Flu vaccine is safe and recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding people to reduce the risk of severe illness from the flu. Vaccination can also protect the fetus and newborn.