The influenza vaccine (“the flu shot”) is a seasonal vaccine that is produced each year and is provided for free to the public through the Universal Influenza Immunization Program (UIIP) The strain of influenza that is circulating in the community can change each year, so it is important to get the vaccine every year. Influenza activity is highest between November and April. It is recommended that everyone who is six months of age or older should get a flu show every year, unless there is a medical reason why they cannot receive it. Getting the flu shot not only protects individuals, but it also reduces a significant burden on the health care system.
Vaccine Coverage
Influenza vaccine coverage rates for Simcoe Muskoka are available for:
Adult population
Long-term care residents
For healthcare workers, please see the Influenza coverage for healthcare workers page.
Adult Population
The graph below shows the percentage of the Simcoe Muskoka population (over 18 years old) that received a seasonal flu shot from the 2005-06 flu season to the 2016-17 flu season. In 2016-17 season, approximately 50% of the adult population receive a seasonal flu shot. This is significantly higher than the seasonal immunization coverage rate from five years previous (2012-13). During the pandemic flu season in 2009-10, the coverage dropped to approximately 20% for the seasonal flu shot. A pandemic flu vaccine was also offered to the public for which the coverage was approximately 35%. These two vaccines prevented different strains of flu viruses.
Flu shot coverage varies significantly by age group. A significantly higher percentage of people aged 65 years and older get vaccinated compared to those 18 to 64 years old. A higher percentage of people with chronic conditions get vaccinated compared to those without chronic conditions. Those with lower household income and non-smokers also have higher influenza vaccine coverage (see RRFSS Influenza Immunization Risk Factor Report).
Long-Term Care Residents
The figure below shows the influenza immunization coverage for long-term care residents for 2005/06 to present. Influenza immunization in long-term care residents remains above the immunization rate of staff in long-term care homes. For the 2018-19 influenza season, 92.5% of residents at long-term care facilities in Simcoe Muskoka had received the influenza immunization. All long-term care facilities in Ontario are required by law to offer the seasonal influenza immunization to their residents before the start of influenza season. Higher immunization rates is typical in high-risk populations, such as individuals living in long-term care facilities.
