Influenza Vaccination

What Is Influenza?

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It spreads easily and can cause mild to severe illness, sometimes leading to hospitalization or death.

Flu symptoms often come on suddenly and may include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue, and headache. While many people recover within a week or two, influenza can be serious, especially for older adults, young children, pregnant individuals, and those with chronic medical conditions.

Influenza spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, as well as through contact with contaminated surfaces. Travel, crowded settings, airports, and public transportation increase the risk of exposure.

Protect yourself from serious complications and help stop the virus from spreading by getting your flu vaccination at Destinations Travel and Immunization Clinic in Orléans, Ottawa.

The Government of Canada’s Influenza Page

Is Influenza Vaccination Required?

Influenza vaccination is not required for entry into any country. However, it is strongly recommended for travelers, particularly during flu season or when traveling to crowded destinations.

Travelers may be at higher risk when:

• Traveling during fall and winter months
• Taking cruises or group tours
• Spending time in airports or on long flights
• Traveling to regions where influenza circulates year-round

Many employers, schools, and healthcare facilities may also recommend or require influenza vaccination.

Because flu strains change each year, annual vaccination is recommended, even if you have been vaccinated in the past.

How Can I Protect Myself Against Influenza?

The most effective protection against influenza is annual vaccination.

The flu vaccine is updated each year to protect against the most common circulating strains. Vaccination reduces your risk of getting sick and helps prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and complications.

Additional preventive measures include:

• Frequent hand washing or use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Avoiding close contact with sick individuals
• Covering coughs and sneezes
• Staying home when ill

A travel health consultation can help determine the best timing for vaccination before departure.

Can Influenza Result in Serious Illness?

Yes. Influenza can cause serious complications, particularly in high-risk individuals.

Complications may include:

• Pneumonia
• Worsening of chronic medical conditions
• Dehydration
• Hospitalization

Even healthy adults can experience severe illness or prolonged recovery. Influenza can disrupt travel plans, work, and daily activities.

Because influenza spreads easily and changes each year, prevention through vaccination is key.

Is the Influenza Vaccine Covered by OHIP?

Yes. In Ontario, the influenza (flu) vaccine is publicly funded through the Universal Influenza Immunization Program (UIIP).

Most people 6 months of age and older are eligible to receive the flu vaccine at no cost, including:

• Adults and seniors
• Children and adolescents
• Pregnant individuals
• People with chronic medical conditions
• Healthcare and essential workers

The publicly funded flu vaccine is typically available each fall and winter, and annual vaccination is recommended, even if you received a flu shot in previous years.

While the vaccine itself is publicly funded, some travel clinics may charge a consultation or administration fee, particularly when the flu vaccine is given as part of a broader travel health assessment.

A travel health consultation can help determine the best timing for influenza vaccination and whether additional vaccines are recommended before travel.