Flu and COVID-19 vaccines
Protect yourself against the flu and COVID-19 by getting your vaccines
Ottawa Public Health (OPH) recommends that everyone 6 months and older get the annual flu vaccine and the updated XBB 1.5-containing COVID-19 mRNA vaccine. Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are particularly recommended for people at high risk of severe illness from flu and/or COVID-19 as well as health care workers and first responders.
Effective October 30, 2023, flu vaccines and the updated COVID-19 vaccines are available for all residents.
There are many options for getting your flu and updated COVID-19 vaccine:
Visit your nearest pharmacy (pharmacies continue to be the main point of access for flu vaccines).
Check with your regular health care provider to see if they offer the vaccines.
Visit an OPH Community Clinic to get your vaccines.
Visit an OPH Neighbourhood Health and Wellness Hub, if you face barriers to access, for vaccines on a walk-in basis.
To book your appointment for the updated COVID-19 vaccine:
COVID-19 vaccine appointments at OPH Community Clinics can be booked through the Ontario COVID-19 vaccination portal or by calling the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900 (TTY: 1-866-797-0007).
To book your appointment for your annual flu vaccine:
Flu vaccine appointments at OPH Community Clinics can be booked through the Ottawa Public Health website.
OPH wants to remind Ottawa residents that there are simple and effective ways to help protect yourself, your families and our communities against respiratory illness. Some people in our community are at a higher risk of severe illness. Minor symptoms for one person could be a life-threatening illness for another.
Using the following layers of protection helps keep everyone safe:
Washing your hands (or using hand sanitizer) often and avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
Covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
Disinfecting high-touch surfaces in your home and workplace.
Staying home when you are sick.
Wearing a mask:
To protect yourself from viral respiratory illnesses;
To protect others at higher risk of severe respiratory illness from getting sick; and
When you’re recovering from illness.
Staying up to date on your vaccines.
For more information on respiratory illness, including vaccination and treatment, please visit OttawaPublicHealth.ca/RespVirus, call 613-580-6744 or call 3-1-1 after hours.