The Flu season is arriving and we have started our annual flu vaccine clinics. Please read below important information about influenza and the flu vaccinations that will be available this year for you, your children, and your family.

Who should get the flu vaccine?

With a few exceptions, the influenza vaccine is recommended for everyone over 6 months of age. At the bottom of this email are links to vaccine information sheets from the Center for Disease Control with further information about why it is recommended and the few individuals who should avoid receiving the vaccine.

How to get yourselves and your children immunized?

This Flu season, Kindercare Pediatrics will be offering flu vaccine clinics for all children and their first-degree relatives. Please note that the vaccine clinics will not be run as walk-in clinics. Appointments must be scheduled in advance. Please fill in this flu shot clinic form to make an appointment.

What types of vaccines are available?

There are two types of flu vaccines available in Canada: the conventional vaccine (needle-injected) and the nasal vaccine (sprayed in the nostrils). The safety profile and effectiveness of both vaccines seem to be equivalent for children and adults. As in the past, the Ontario Government will cover the cost of immunizing your child with either vaccine. It is your and/or your child’s choice which one to give.

Further Information

For further information about the two types of available flu vaccines check out these CDC Vaccine Information Handouts for the conventional vaccine and for the nasal vaccine. Here are a few other reliable information sources about the influenza vaccine:

▪ Ontario Ministry of Health Influenza Information Site
▪ Health Canada Influenza Information Site
▪ Center For Disease Control Influenza Information Site
▪ National Institute For Allergies and Infectious Diseases Influenza Information Site