Who should get the influenza vaccine?

Vaccinations for influenza are recommended for all individuals six months of age and older. Influenza vaccination is strongly recommended for those who are at higher risk for severe influenza including:

  • Children aged six months to five years of age;
  • Adults 65 years of age and older;
  • Residents in seniors congregate living;
  • Individuals with certain medical conditions that place them at higher risk of influenza-related complications or hospitalizations;
  • Individuals who are pregnant; and
  • Individuals who identify as First Nation, Inuit or Métis.

Who should get the COVID-19 vaccine?

Vaccinations for COVID-19 are recommended for all individuals six months of age and older. The recommended interval is six months from the last COVID-19 vaccine dose or COVID-19 infection, but it can be as short as three months. COVID-19 vaccination is strongly recommended for individuals at high risk for severe disease including:

  • Adults 65 years of age and older;
  • Residents of long-term care and other senior congregate living facilities;
  • Individuals with underlying medical conditions that place them at higher risk of severe COVID-19 infection;
  • Individuals who are pregnant; and
  • Individuals who identify as First Nation, Inuit or Métis.

Vaccine appointments

Vaccines for influenza and COVID-19 are available by appointment only. Both influenza and COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective in reducing the spread of influenza and COVID-19 and the incidence of severe disease from these viruses. It is safe for individuals to receive both influenza and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time.

Individuals are encouraged to book vaccine clinic appointments online at TimefortheShot.ca, but may also book by phone if preferred. Individuals have the option to choose an appointment for a) flu vaccine only; b) COVID-19 vaccine only; or c) both flu and COVID-19 vaccines. Individuals are encouraged to check the website periodically for appointment times as appointment times will be added on an ongoing basis.

Homebound or frail individuals who cannot travel to a Public Health vaccine clinic or visit a pharmacist or doctor can arrange a home visit. Home visits can only be booked by telephone.

The toll-free number for clinic or home visit vaccine bookings in the Western Zone is 1-833-951-3884.

The public is reminded to bring their valid MCP card and to wear a short-sleeved shirt when receiving their vaccine.

 Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are also available at no cost through participating local pharmacies and family physicians.

Group/family bookings

Those booking for a group of people, i.e., family members, must book a separate appointment for everyone, regardless of whether the booking is made online or via the toll-free number.

Suppose back-to-back appointments are preferred but not available at the time of booking. In that case, those with confirmed separate appointments can arrive at the clinic together and be accommodated wherever possible.

How can I protect myself and my loved ones?

Getting the flu shot, as well as ensuring your COVID-19 booster is up to date, are the most effective ways to reduce illness and complications from these diseases and can significantly lower the risk of potentially contracting influenza and COVID-19 at the same time, which could cause severe illness, especially for at-risk individuals. Getting vaccinated will also help reduce the spread of influenza and COVID-19 in our communities and help reduce the impact on the health-care system.

Getting the flu shot is an important way to help protect yourself, your family and vulnerable people in your community against seasonal influenza. It will also help to reduce the impact on the health-care system in the event of a potential surge of influenza or COVID-19 cases. While the flu shot will not protect against COVID-19, it will help reduce the risk of getting the flu which, if combined with COVID-19, could result in a higher risk for severe illness.

Individuals are reminded to practice prevention and control measures:

  • Stay home when you’re sick;
  • Avoid visiting people at high risk when sick;
  • Consider wearing a mask to protect yourself, to protect others, or when recovering from illness;
  • Wash your hands often;
  • Cover your mouth and nose with your arm when coughing and sneezing and immediately dispose of used tissues in the trash; and
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.

Masking requirements (March 27, 2025)

Update: NL Health Services continues to monitor epidemiology, hospitalizations and outbreaks and masking guidelines will be re-evaluated by April 14, 2025. Masking requirements remain in place due to the review of the epidemiology and based on the current spike in respiratory illness seen in the province and within our health-care facilities.

More information

For more information, please visit the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Time For The Shot webpage.

Flu: https://www.timefortheshot.ca/flu/

COVID-19: https://www.timefortheshot.ca/covid-19/