The flu vaccine: More important than ever

The flu vaccine is a safe and effective way to stay healthy and is available for free to all Ontarians. The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) is pleased to offer flu immunizations to all patients seen at the hospital. 

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s even more important to get the flu vaccine this year to protect ourselves, our loved ones, and our health-care system. By getting the flu vaccine, you and everyone around you can stay healthy and leave doctor’s offices and hospitals to provide care to those who need it most. There is no vaccine for COVID-19 at this time, but there is for the flu. 

“This year we face the combined threat of the flu and COVID-19, both of which pose risks to public health and our health-care system,” says Dr. Upton Allen, Head of Infectious Diseases at SickKids. “Together they can overwhelm our health-care system. Furthermore, it is much better to be in a position where we are preventing ourselves from catching and spreading the flu than treating it. These are among the reasons why the flu vaccine is more important than ever this year.” 

The flu vaccine is conveniently available to inpatients, outpatients and Emergency Department patients at SickKids by their health-care providers. SickKids encourages all patients, families, staff and members of the public to get the flu vaccine this season. 

The flu (influenza) is an acute respiratory infection that poses significant health risks to Canadians, particularly high-risk groups, including children, those with underlying medical conditions and older adults. Many hospitalized patients have a weakened response to vaccination and so their ability to protect themselves is limited. Many patients at SickKids are in these high-risk groups.   

Speak to your child’s clinical team for more information about obtaining the flu vaccine at SickKids. 

For more information visit ontario.ca/page/flufacts.