Flu Shot — Mississauga
Influenza sends thousands of Canadians to hospital every year. An annual flu shot is the single most effective way to reduce your risk of severe illness, missed work, and spreading the virus to vulnerable family members. Peel Travel Clinic offers the seasonal influenza vaccine on a walk-in basis or by appointment at our Mississauga clinic.
Why Get the Flu Vaccine?
Seasonal influenza can lead to pneumonia, hospitalization, and death — especially among seniors, young children, and those with chronic conditions. Vaccination reduces the risk of flu-related illness by 40-60% in years when the vaccine matches circulating strains.
Beyond personal protection, getting vaccinated helps shield high-risk people around you — newborns too young for the shot, elderly relatives, and immunocompromised colleagues.
For travellers, influenza circulates year-round in tropical regions and during the opposite winter season in the southern hemisphere. If you are heading to Southeast Asia, the Caribbean, or South America, a flu shot is a smart addition to your pre-travel vaccine plan.
Who Should Get a Flu Shot?
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends the flu vaccine for everyone aged 6 months and older, with particular emphasis on:
- Adults 65 years and older
- Children aged 6 months to 5 years
- Pregnant women (any trimester)
- People with chronic conditions — diabetes, heart disease, asthma, COPD
- Healthcare workers and caregivers
- Indigenous peoples
- Travellers to the southern hemisphere during their winter or to tropical destinations year-round
Flu Shot Cost in Mississauga
| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Children 6 months – 17 years | OHIP-covered |
| Adults 65+ | OHIP-covered |
| Pregnant women | OHIP-covered |
| Chronic conditions, healthcare workers, Indigenous peoples, care-facility residents | OHIP-covered |
| All other adults (18–64, healthy) | $25 |
Private insurance may reimburse the $25 fee. Check with your benefits provider.
What to Expect at Your Visit
Walk in during clinic hours or call (905) 890-2757 to book an appointment. No fasting or special preparation is needed. The injection takes seconds and is given in the upper arm.
You will be monitored for 15 minutes after vaccination as a standard precaution. Most patients return to normal activities immediately. If you are also due for a Tdap booster or pneumonia vaccine, these can often be given at the same visit.
Planning a trip? Combine your flu shot with a preventive health check and any routine vaccinations you may need before departure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the flu shot free in Ontario?
The flu shot is covered under OHIP for children aged 6 months to 17 years, adults 65 and older, pregnant women, individuals with chronic medical conditions (diabetes, heart disease, lung disease), healthcare workers, Indigenous peoples, and residents of long-term care facilities. For adults who do not fall into an eligible category, the flu vaccine costs $25 at Peel Travel Clinic.
When is the best time to get a flu shot?
The ideal time is October or November, before flu season peaks in December through February. Protection begins approximately two weeks after the injection. The vaccine remains available through spring for anyone who missed the fall window.
Can I get a flu shot and travel vaccines at the same time?
Yes. The influenza vaccine can be administered alongside most travel vaccines during the same visit. Our physician will review your itinerary and advise on timing if any spacing is recommended between specific vaccines.
What are common side effects of the flu shot?
The most common side effects are soreness at the injection site, low-grade fever, and mild body aches lasting one to two days. Serious allergic reactions are very rare. Our physician screens for contraindications before administering the vaccine.
Other Vaccines We Offer
Disclaimer: Vaccine requirements and health recommendations vary by age, medical history, and current health advisories. The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not replace a personalized medical consultation. Please book an appointment with our physician for advice specific to your situation.