Ontario is expanding access to flu shots this week, with seniors, long-term care residents, hospital staff and patients among the first to be vaccinated. The vaccine program will open to everyone aged six months and older on Oct. 27, aligning with public health goals to reduce influenza-related illness and hospitalizations across the province. While the timing may vary by jurisdiction, health authorities across Canada are encouraging eligible residents to get vaccinated as soon as they can.
Who should get the flu shot this season
Medical experts emphasize that certain groups are at higher risk for severe flu. Dr. Netisha Gupta of the Lung Health Foundation notes that young children, seniors and people with chronic lung conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are especially vulnerable. She explains that the vaccine not only lowers the chance of getting sick but, when infections do occur, helps keep illnesses milder and reduces the likelihood of hospitalization.
In Ontario, the two-week window after vaccination is important: it takes about 14 days for protection to build, during which people should still take standard precautions to avoid exposure. The goal is to give the immune system a head start so it can recognize and fight the virus effectively if it appears.
The science behind flu vaccination
Vaccination is a central tool in reducing the burden of influenza. Dr. Jesse Papenburg, a pediatric infectious disease specialist and medical microbiologist at the Montreal Children’s Hospital, highlights that the flu shot can cut the need for doctor visits or hospitalizations by roughly half for children and their families. Papenburg, who contributed to a study examining influenza outcomes among Canadians aged 16 and under between 2004 and 2022, notes that vaccination status was linked to better outcomes in a substantial majority of cases.
The study, published in the Journal of Pediatrics, analyzed data from the IMPACT surveillance network across 12 Canadian pediatric hospitals. It documented 80 deaths and 12,887 hospitalizations in that age group over the study period, with more than half of the fatalities occurring in children under five. Importantly, only about one in four pediatric patients who died had been vaccinated. Researchers underscored that while influenza mortality in children is relatively rare, it is potentially preventable through vaccination, and severe influenza illness can still lead to hospitalization or worse.
Papenburg notes that two key factors contribute to the risk in young children: their airways are smaller, and they have had fewer previous exposures to influenza, which translates to lower immunity. He emphasizes that many children with severe influenza had chronic health conditions, reinforcing the message that vaccination is especially crucial for those with preexisting medical issues.
What this means for families this season
For families, the take-home message is clear: protected children and adults are less likely to experience severe flu and hospital visits. The vaccine’s primary role is to prime the immune system so it reacts promptly to the virus, reducing the likelihood of serious complications such as pneumonia or extended illness that requires hospitalization. Parents of young children, caregivers of seniors, and individuals with asthma or COPD should prioritize scheduling a flu shot as soon as it becomes available in their area.
Clinics and vaccination sites are structured to accommodate high demand, with fast and safe administration of the nasal spray or injected vaccines where approved. Those who are eligible should bring any required health information and consider booking in advance to minimize wait times during peak periods.
Access and timing in Ontario and beyond
Ontario’s phased rollout begins this week for seniors and other high-risk groups, with broader eligibility opening on Oct. 27. Most other provinces and territories in Canada are expected to start their flu shot programs in mid-October, reflecting a coordinated national effort to maximize protection ahead of flu season. Health authorities urge residents to take advantage of the vaccine window while supply allows, and to continue other preventive measures such as hand hygiene and staying home when sick to limit transmission.
With influenza continuing to pose a serious risk to vulnerable populations, flu vaccination remains a practical, evidence-based defense. By prioritizing kids, seniors and those with chronic lung conditions, communities can reduce the strain on hospitals and help keep families healthier this fall.
