Why Get a Flu Shot This Year?

Influenza is more than a bad cold. Seasonal flu can lead to pneumonia, hospitalizations, and in vulnerable populations, death. In a typical year, influenza results in roughly 12,000 hospitalizations and 3,500 deaths in Canada. Yet vaccination rates remain well below where they need to be to slow community spread.

The flu virus changes every year, which is why a new vaccine is formulated each fall to match the strains most likely to circulate. Getting vaccinated each season is the single most effective action you can take to reduce your risk and protect people around you who can't be vaccinated — newborns, immune-compromised individuals, and those with certain chronic conditions.

Key Fact

The flu shot reduces your risk of influenza illness by 40–60% in seasons when the vaccine is well matched to circulating strains — and it lowers the chance of severe outcomes even if you do get sick.

Who Should Get the Flu Shot?

In Ontario, the flu shot is recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older, and it is free for all eligible residents with a valid Ontario Health Card (OHIP). You do not need a doctor's referral.

Certain groups are especially encouraged to get vaccinated every year:

  • Adults 65 years of age and older
  • Children 6 months to 5 years old
  • Pregnant women (at any stage of pregnancy)
  • People with chronic health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma, COPD, or kidney disease
  • Residents of long-term care homes and other group-living settings
  • Healthcare workers and caregivers who work with high-risk individuals
  • Indigenous peoples, who face a higher risk of serious complications
  • Anyone who wants to reduce their risk of spreading flu to others

Free for All Ontarians 6 Months+

The Universal Influenza Immunization Program (UIIP) covers the cost of the flu vaccine for every eligible Ontarian. Bring your health card to Keating's Pharmacy and we bill the province directly — no out-of-pocket cost at the counter.

No Appointment Needed — Walk In Any Time

At Keating's Pharmacy, we keep the flu shot process simple. There is no appointment required. Walk in any time during our regular pharmacy hours and a pharmacist will administer your vaccine in a private, comfortable space. The whole visit typically takes 10–15 minutes.

If you're coming during peak season and want to minimize your wait, you're welcome to call ahead at (519) 527-1990. We'll let you know the best time to stop in.

Pharmacists Are Fully Trained to Administer Vaccines

Ontario pharmacists are authorized and trained immunizers. Our team at Keating's has administered hundreds of vaccines, including the annual flu shot, COVID-19 vaccines, shingles vaccines, and travel immunizations. You do not need a doctor's visit or a separate clinic — your community pharmacy can handle it in one convenient stop.

After receiving the shot, you'll be asked to stay for a brief observation period (about 15 minutes) as a standard precaution. Side effects are generally mild — a sore arm, minor fatigue, or a low-grade temperature — and resolve within a day or two. These are signs your immune system is responding, not signs of the flu itself. The flu shot cannot give you influenza.

When Is the Best Time to Get Vaccinated?

Flu season in Ontario typically peaks between December and February, but flu activity can start as early as October. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for full immunity to develop, so the ideal window is October to early November.

That said, getting vaccinated later in the season — even in January or February — still provides protection. If you haven't had your flu shot yet this season, come in. It's not too late.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the flu shot free in Ontario?

Yes. The flu shot is free for everyone 6 months of age and older with a valid Ontario Health Card (OHIP). The pharmacy bills the province directly — there is no cost to you at the counter.

Do I need an appointment for a flu shot at a pharmacy?

No appointment is needed at Keating's Pharmacy. Walk in any time during our regular hours and a pharmacist will administer your flu shot. Calling ahead to (519) 527-1990 during busy periods can help reduce your wait.

Is it safe to get a flu shot if I have a mild cold?

Generally yes — a mild cold or low-grade illness is not a reason to delay your flu shot. However, if you have a moderate or severe illness with a fever, it is best to wait until you recover. Your pharmacist will do a quick assessment before administering the vaccine.

When should I get my flu shot?

Ontario's flu season typically runs October through April, with peak activity in December and January. The ideal time to get vaccinated is in October or early November, before flu circulates widely. It takes about two weeks to develop full protection after the shot.

Can pharmacists give flu shots in Ontario?

Yes. Ontario pharmacists are fully authorized and trained to administer flu vaccines to patients 2 years of age and older. No doctor's referral or prescription is required — simply walk into Keating's Pharmacy in Seaforth during regular hours.

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