Flu vaccine

The goals for the 2026–27 flu season are to protect the health of individuals and communities and mitigate impacts on the health-care system, particularly with COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) also circulating. The influenza vaccine is publicly funded for all individuals six months and older who live, work or attend school in Ontario. There are five products available for administration in this season’s publicly funded influenza immunization program.

Products available for 2026-27

Vaccines

The publicly funded vaccines available for the 2026-27 season are:

Treatments

Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) is indicated for the treatment of:

• Severe influenza in adults and children over the age of one year.
• Non-severe influenza within 48 hours of symptom onset for patients who are at risk of developing influenza-related complications. Includes adults and children ages five to 18; children ages one to five may be considered based on clinical discretion

Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) is publicly funded for treatment of influenza in:

• Individuals who are at risk for influenza-related complications
• Institutionalized individuals during outbreaks

Given the increasing global prevalence of oseltamivir resistance, the ministry has procured access to small amounts of two additional influenza therapeutics for the 2026-27 season:

• IV Zanamivir – to be used for severely ill patients in hospital. It will be distributed through the hospital pharmacy system
• Baloxavir – to be used primarily in oseltamivir-resistant outbreaks in congregate living settings. It will be distributed primarily through local public health units

Refer to Ontario Health’s Influenza Clinical Guidelines and Resources for more information

Recommendations for 2026-27

Flu vaccines are strongly recommended for protection against H1N1, H3N2 and influenza B. Based on the Southern hemisphere’s influenza activity, Ontario’s influenza vaccines for the 2026-27 season are a good match for circulating strains. To help reduce the risk of co-infection, COVID-19 vaccines are also recommended for all patients, and an RSV immunization is recommended for those who meet the eligibility criteria.

High-risk and priority populations to receive flu vaccines as soon as they become available

The provincial supply of vaccines will be made available to hospitals and long-term care homes at the end of September. Retirement homes and other settings with vulnerable populations, physicians, pharmacies, and all other providers/organizations will be provided with vaccine supply by early- to mid-October. 

The following high-risk individuals and priority populations can be prioritized for the flu vaccine as soon as it becomes available:

• Health-care workers
• First responders
• Residents, staff and care providers of congregate living settings
• People 65 years of age and older
• Pregnant individuals
• Children six months to four years of age
• Individuals in or from First Nations, Inuit, or Métis communities
• Members of underserved communities
• Individuals six months of age and older with certain underlying health conditions
• Individuals whose occupational or recreational activities increase their risk of exposure to avian influenza A viruses

The flu vaccine is recommended for all people aged six months and older who do not have any contraindications. Individuals in the following groups are particularly recommended to receive the flu vaccine when it becomes available to the public starting Oct. 26:

• Individuals capable of transmitting influenza to high-risk groups and/or to infants under six months old
  • Note that breastfeeding individuals are now considered high-risk 
• People who provide essential community services

Refer to the 2026-27 Universal Influenza Immunization Program for a detailed list of patients recommended to get the flu vaccine.

Administer flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines at the same time 

Flu vaccines can be administered to patients six months of age or older at the same time as, or at any time before or after routine vaccines, including COVID-19 and RSV vaccines.

Consider offering flu and COVID-19 vaccines together during appointments or clinics.

Vaccines given during the same visit should be given at different injection sites on separate limbs. Alternatively, vaccines may be administered into the same muscle if separated by at least 2.5 cm/1 inch. Use a different needle and syringe for each vaccination.

Wait until Oct. 26 to run community flu vaccine clinics

Physicians should wait until Oct. 26 to run large-scale community clinics to ensure an adequate flu vaccine supply can be ordered for their clinic.

Do not book appointments before receiving flu vaccines in case of unexpected delays or restrictions on vaccine availability.

Offer available flu vaccines to patients 65 years+

Patients 65 years of age and older should not delay flu vaccination to wait for a particular vaccine product.

Among the products indicated for those aged 65 and older, there is no preferential recommendation for using Fluzone® High-Dose trivalent inactivated vaccine (TIV-HD) over Fluad® adjuvanted trivalent (TIV-adj) vaccine due to insufficient evidence.

Where available, offer Fluzone® TIV-HD or Fluad® TIV-adj over standard-dose TIV for adults 65 years of age and over. If a preferred product is not available, any of the available age-appropriate influenza vaccines should be used. The most important thing is for older adults to be vaccinated. Do not delay vaccination to wait for a particular product.

Defer flu vaccines for patients who are ill or self-isolating

Patients who have any type of severe acute illness, with or without fever, should wait until their symptoms subside before getting the flu vaccine.

Immunization should not be delayed because of minor acute illness, with or without fever.

Maintain the post-vaccination observation period

The Canadian Immunization Guide recommends a post-vaccination observation period of at least 15 minutes. If there is a specific concern about a possible vaccine allergy, an observation period of 30 minutes is a safer interval.

Ordering flu vaccines

The first set of vaccine orders to physicians is expected to be delivered in early-to-mid October. Connect with your Public Health Unit for more ordering information.