Influenza (Flu)

Influenza or Flu is a highly contagious illness.  From year to year the flu virus changes and many strands of influenza viruses can circulate at varying times and in different places.  An annual flu shot can help prevent the spread of flu, as well as provide the best protection.  With an ever-increasing average workforce age that is made up of a highly diverse culture of workers, a flu vaccination received in the fall or winter is almost 90% effective in preventing the illness for that year.  Effectiveness can of course vary by age and health status.  For more information about the influenza virus, please read our Influenza (Flu) Fact Sheet.

According to information provided by the Public Health Agency of Canada, the flu affects 5 to 15% of Canadians each year. While the majority who become sick will recover, the flu results in an average of 20,000 hospitalizations and 2,000 to 8,000 deaths in Canada each year.

Flu shot offers the best protection

Combined with regular hand washing, the flu shot is the best way to protect yourself and others from the virus. Canada's National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) encourages all Canadians over age six months to get a flu shot. It is particularly important for health professionals to be immunized to protect themselves and their patients.

Get your flu shot early

Each year there is a new vaccine to protect against new strains of the influenza virus. The best time to get your Flu Shot is early, between October and December, before the number of influenza cases increases in Canada. But, the shot is still effective even if you put off getting it until later in the season. It takes about two weeks after immunization before the flu shot gives you full protection.  

What is Offered at Our Clinic?

On top of the flu shot itself being performed by our flu immunization specialists, our flu vaccination program consists of our highly qualified mobile team of Registered Nurses who are there to educate your employees on how to prevent the spread of the flu, and answer all questions and concerns you or your employees may have.

Should you or your employees wish, we also offer the option of receiving a Tetanus immunization at the same location and time as the seasonal workplace flu clinic.  Our Nurse Manager is available to answer any questions you may have before and after your clinic.

Intanza™

Intanza™ is the first and only intradermal influenza vaccine that offers a minimally invasive injection with a 1.5 millimeter micro-needle.  If you are interested in receiving Intanza™ at your workplace, we recommend that you read more about Intanza™  and/or contact us for more info.

Drop-in Flu Shot Clinics

Did you know we also offer Drop-in Flu Shot Clinics at our Granville Street Office? It’s true!  All revenue generated supports our Meals on Wheels program and Family Respite Centre.  Check out our 2011 Drop-in Clinic page for more information.

Who should be Vaccinated?

Although it is highly recommended that everyone get an annual flu vaccination, there are certain factors to consider, mainly those that may put a certain percentage of people at a higher risk of either contracting serious flu-related illnesses such as pneumonia, or even spreading the virus to others.
If you or someone you know fall into any of the following categories, it is extra important to get vaccinated annually.

Adults and adults with children who have certain medical conditions, including:

  • Heart and lung disorders that require regular medical care including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or cystic fibrosis
  • Kidney disease, chronic liver disease including hepatitis, diabetes, cancer, anemia, or those with weakened immune systems
  • Those with health conditions that cause difficulty breathing, swallowing, or a risk of choking on food or fluids, including persons with severe brain damage, spinal cord injury, seizures or neuromuscular disorders
  • Those battling obesity with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more

Anyone who is able to transmit or spread the flu to those at high risk of serious illness from influenza, including:

  • Household contacts of people at high risk
  • Household contacts, caregivers and day care staff of children under 24 months of age
  • Doctors, nurses and other care providers who work in hospitals, residential care, assisted living or other group facilities
  • People who live or work in confined settings, such as correctional facilities
  • Those who provide care or service to people at high risk in potential outbreak settings, such as cruise ships
  • People who provide essential community services, such as police officers, firefighters and ambulance attendants
  • Farmers or anyone else who works with live chickens

If you are interested in booking a flu clinic for your workplace, use our online flu booking form to schedule a preferred date and time, or contact us for more information.

Upon booking your clinic date and time, kindly have each employee fill our Influenza Consent Form and hand it to the Registered Nurse that facilitates your clinic.

It is important that you help promote your flu clinic around your workplace.  To help you do that we have created information flu materials. Please download, print and distribute them around your workplace!