Influenza and COVID-19

Protect yourself and your loved ones from the flu this season. Find out how to book your flu shot, where to get vaccinated, and how to stay protected.

Where to get vaccinated

Find out where to get your vaccines, book an appointment, and access resources to stay healthy.

Children 6 months to 2 years

Flu vaccine: SWPH or your primary care provider
COVID-19 vaccine: SWPH

Children over 2 years, teens, and adults

Flu vaccine: SWPH, your primary care provider, or your local pharmacy
COVID-19 vaccine: SWPH or your local pharmacy*

*Call ahead to confirm the pharmacy vaccinates children.

What to expect at your vaccine appointment

Checklist for your appointment:

  • Wear short sleeves for easy access to your upper arm

  • Bring your health card (if available) and identification

  • Prepare for mild side effects like soreness or fatigue

During your visit: 

  • Plan to spend about 30 minutes at the clinic

  • Follow public health guidelines (masking, hand sanitizing)

  • Stay for 15 minutes after your vaccine for monitoring

Book your flu and COVID-19 vaccine at SWPH

Use our online tool to book a flu and COVID-19 vaccine at SWPH.

What’s the current influenza situation in our community?

You can track local respiratory illness trends for Oxford, Elgin, and St. Thomas by checking the Respiratory Illness Activity Dashboard.

Other ways to prevent the flu and COVID-19

Follow these steps to protect yourself, your family, and your community:

  • Get a vaccine every year

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water

  • Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow

  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces

  • Stay home when you are sick

For more details, visit the Ontario Flu Facts page.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, the vaccines are very safe. They may cause mild side effects, such as:

  • Sore arm

  • Redness or swelling at the injection site

  • Tiredness or headache

The vaccines cannot give you the flu or COVID-19. Some side effects of the flu or COVID-19 vaccine (like fever or headache) can resemble respiratory virus symptoms. These side effects usually appear shortly after vaccination and last 1-2 days. Seek medical advice if symptoms persist.

The flu and COVID-19 vaccines are not recommended for:

  • Infants under 6 months of age

  • Anyone with a serious reaction to the vaccine in the past

  • Anyone with a severe allergy to any component of the vaccine

Flu and COVID-19 symptoms can appear suddenly and may include:

  • Fever

  • Chills

  • Cough

  • Runny or stuffy nose

  • Sore throat

  • Headache

  • Muscle or body aches

  • Weakness or fatigue

  • In children: Ear pain, vomiting, or diarrhea

In most cases, yes, you can safely get the flu and COVID-19 vaccines alongside routine vaccinations. Talk to your primary care provider if you plan to have a flu or COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as another vaccination.

Visit Ontario's pharmacy location service to find a clinic near you.

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