Flu shot appointments available at five mass immunization clinics across Toronto

While Toronto’s COVID-19 vaccine clinics continue, starting Wednesday, all residents can book an appointment for a flu shot at one of five mass immunization clinics across the city.

But vaccinations won’t start until early November and no walk-in appointments will be accepted.

The mass clinics include the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Cloverdale Mall, Mitchell Field Community Centre, Scarborough Town Centre and Woodbine Mall.

People can also get their flu shot at local pharmacies, family physicians and public health units in November.

Experts have warned the flu season could be much worse in 2022 as last year, there were still many COVID-19 health orders in place.

During the 2020-2021 flu season, the Public Health Agency of Canada reported just 79 laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza. The previous year, there were over 54,000.

Toronto Public Health already started distributing flu shots to those at risk of serious illness, which includes those who are experiencing homelessness or in shelters.

Toronto’s Medical Officer, Dr. Eileen de Villa, says getting the flu vaccine is the best way to protect ourselves and those around us against the flu.

“Typically the flu starts to circulate in late fall, so this is why we’ve started work to protect our city’s most vulnerable residents now and why we’re taking this opportunity to remind residents to get their flu shot early to protect our community,” she said.

My team has started important work to protect residents from the flu, prioritizing highest-risk settings. Getting the flu vaccine is the best way to protect ourselves, our families & our communities against the flu. More info: https://t.co/m6Q00pE36S

— Dr. Eileen de Villa (@epdevilla) October 19, 2021

The flu is spread by small droplets when people cough or sneeze, or through contact with contaminated hands, surfaces or objects.

Health officials say there is a risk of co-infection of COVID-19 and influenza, and residents are encouraged to get both the flu vaccine and two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible.

Those who have not received two doses of the COVID-19 vaccines are able to receive both vaccines at the same time.

The National Advisory Committee on Immunization has provided guidance that indicates COVID-19 vaccines can be administered at the same time as other vaccines, including the flu vaccine.

Typical flu symptoms include sudden onset of high fever, chills, sore throat, cough and muscle aches. Other common symptoms include headache, loss of appetite and feeling tired.

Recovering from the flu usually takes a week to 10 days but TPH says for some people it can worsen pre-existing medical conditions such as asthma or heart disease, or develop into more serious health problems such as pneumonia. In rare cases, it can even be deadly.

The flu season also comes as capacity limits lifted on Monday in settings where proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required.

The province says it intends to lift all public health and workplace safety measures by March 28, 2022.

Premier Doug Ford said if COVID-19 cases spiked again, the province would halt the reopening plans.