Flu shot now available to all Hamiltonians - Roll up both sleeves this fall to protect yourself and others

HAMILTON, ON – Flu shots are now available to the general public from over 350 providers across Hamilton in anticipation of an increase in respiratory illnesses, including influenza, this fall and winter. 

Community members can find local locations to receive their flu shot at hamilton.ca/flu. Free flu shots are available for everyone who lives, works or attends school in Ontario. Hamiltonians six months of age and older can get a flu shot from their primary care provider (family doctor, nurse practitioner, or walk-in clinic) and anyone two years of age and older can get their flu shot from a participating pharmacy.

The flu shot is especially important for children under five, individuals who are pregnant and those 65 years and older who are at higher risk of hospitalization and flu-related complications, such as pneumonia, heart attack or death. These severe outcomes can place an extra burden on Hamilton’s significantly strained hospitals and healthcare capacity.  

Beginning November 2, 2022, the City of Hamilton’s weekly COVID-19 Transmission Status Summary will transition to a Respiratory Virus Transmission Status Summary. This enhanced resource updated weekly will include data and information on the local transmission status of both COVID-19 and influenza to provide community members a better understanding of the presence of these respiratory illnesses in Hamilton.

Hamilton Public Health Services is also developing an influenza focused dashboard where individuals will be able to monitor data related to this respiratory illness along with a new resource tracking active outbreaks (respiratory and enteric) in Hamilton beyond COVID-19 outbreaks. The new influenza focused dashboard and outbreak resource will launch before the end of 2022.

Bivalent COVID-19 booster doses and flu shots

Community members five years of age and over can receive their flu shot and monovalent or bivalent COVID booster at the same time or within days of each other. Those looking to receive the flu shot are encouraged to check with participating pharmacies and their primary care providers as these healthcare partners continue to be the key locations to receive a flu shot in Hamilton. While the Hamilton Public Health Services Mountain Vaccine Clinic at LimeRidge Mall remains focused on offering COVID-19 vaccination, on Tuesdays to Fridays in November, the clinic will be offering those attending for a COVID-19 vaccination or booster the option of receiving a flu shot. 

All Hamiltonians 12 years of age and over are eligible to receive a bivalent COVID-19 booster dose, if they meet the following eligibility criterion:

• Completed their primary vaccine series (received a first and second dose);
• It’s been the recommended six months (minimum three months) since their most recent dose; and
• They have not been infected with COVID-19 over the past three months.

As evidence shows that vaccine protection decreases over time, to get stronger protection against COVID-19, Hamilton Healthcare Partners are recommending all Hamiltonians 12 years of age and older stay up to date with vaccination and book an appointment for a bivalent COVID-19 booster at hamilton.ca/GetYourVaccine, as soon as they are eligible. Appointments can be booked on Hamilton’s booking tool 14 days in advance, with new appointment dates being added daily.

Residents are also strongly encouraged to check with local pharmacies who are offering bivalent COVID-19 booster doses, as neighbourhood pharmacists are anticipated to administer nearly 75 per cent of all COVID-19 vaccines locally this upcoming respiratory illness season.

The risk of COVID-19 in the community is expected to increase. Choosing to get a COVID-19 booster vaccine is a more important decision than which one community members get. The sooner individuals get boosted, the sooner their protection increases against severe illness, hospitalization or death.

Prevent the spread of the flu and other respiratory illnesses

In addition to getting the flu shot and staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccination, you should also take everyday precautions which include:

• Staying home when you are sick
• Consider wearing a well-fitting mask indoors, especially when it’s crowded
• Washing your hands often with soap and warm water
• Using an alcohol-based hand rub if there is no soap and water
• Covering coughs and sneezes
• Not touching your face
• Cleaning shared objects and surfaces such as doorknobs, light switches or keys often. The flu virus can live on surfaces for up to eight hours.
• Not sharing food, drinks or personal items like toothbrushes
• Resting, sleeping, being active and eating nutritious food

Quick Facts

• The flu is a serious illness that affects the breathing system. It starts suddenly and often lasts longer than a cold. Symptoms include: fever, headache, body aches, chills, tiredness, weakness, cough, runny eyes, stuffy nose and sore throat.
• The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends that all individuals six months and older get a yearly flu shot.
• Nearly 53,000 bivalent COVID-19 booster doses have been administered in Hamilton since early September, representing approximately 95 per cent of all doses that have been administered over the last several weeks.
• It is recommended that individuals six months to under 12 years of age stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccination. Although this age group is not eligible for a bivalent vaccine, the monovalent vaccine provides an extra layer of protection against the health effects of COVID-19. For information about eligibility for COVID-19 vaccination for all populations, visit hamilton.ca/COVIDvaccines.
• Children six months of age and over and individuals 18 years of age and over can walk-in at Hamilton Public Health Services led clinics to receive a monovalent COVID-19 vaccine.