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Family Medicine

Flu shot questions, answered

Who should get one, when to book and what to expect after.

Dr. Joseph TruongReviewed by a physician, Sep 20262 min read

Ontario recommends a yearly flu shot for everyone six months and older. It is especially important for young children, adults over 65, pregnant people and anyone with a chronic condition.

When to book

Vaccine typically arrives in October. Protection takes about two weeks to build, so booking in October or November covers the peak season.

What to expect

A sore arm for a day or two is common. Some people feel tired or have a mild fever for a day. These are signs your immune system is responding, not the flu itself. The shot cannot give you the flu.

Who should wait

If you have a fever on the day, we will ask you to rebook. If you have had a serious allergic reaction to a previous flu shot, tell us before booking so the physician can advise.

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