Vaccinations at TMU

During the fall and winter seasons, respiratory illnesses (such as flu and COVID-19) are expected to spread in our community as the weather gets colder and people spend more time indoors.

Staying up to date with our vaccinations is one of the most effective ways to protect our families, communities and ourselves against getting very sick. It is a key step in the layer of protection (external link, opens in new window)  we can all implement to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses.

Adults can get the flu vaccine at the same time, before, or after a COVID-19 vaccine.

If you received AREXVY, the vaccine for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), a 14-day wait period is recommended before or after getting the flu or COVID-19 vaccine.

We are recommended to take a flu shot each year in early fall as soon as they are available.

Some facts about the flu vaccine:

• The flu vaccine can reduce the risk of having to go to the doctor with the flu by about 40-60%, and reduces the risk of serious flu complications that can result in hospitalization or even death. Find out more on the City of Toronto’s 2024-2025 Influenza Vaccine Fact Sheet (opens in new window) .
• Each year, the vaccine is updated to protect against the specific influenza virus strains that are predicted to be prevalent for the current year.
• Immunity from previous vaccines may also wear off within a year.

Get your flu shot on campus at either one of the pop-up vaccine clinics, or by appointment at the Medical Centre after Saturday, November 9.

Alternatively, you can also call your local pharmacist or health care provider to make an appointment for a free flu shot.

The Ontario Universal Influenza Immunization Program offers the standard-dose quadrivalent vaccines (QIV) for individuals six months of age and older. Learn more from  (PDF file) Public Health Ontario (external link, opens in new window)  here.

Every person five years and older is recommended to receive an updated COVID-19 vaccine six months after their last COVID-19 dose or infection.

• For details on eligibility and recommendations based on age, risk, and previous vaccination and infection statuses, please visit the City of Toronto’s COVID-19 Vaccines page (external link, opens in new window) .
• Every person, including those without OHIP cards, may get vaccinated at any clinic or pharmacy clinic offering COVID-19 vaccines.
• The COVID-19 booster is not available at TMU Medical Centre.
• The COVID-19 vaccine is safe to get at the same time as most other vaccines, including the flu shot.

Places that offer COVID-19 vaccine near campus:

You can also book a vaccine at a clinic near you here (external link, opens in new window) . Alternatively, you can search if a pharmacy near you offers COVID-19 vaccination via this link (external link, opens in new window) .

You can find out more about approved COVID-19 vaccines on the Government of Canada's website (external link, opens in new window) .

Learn more about COVID-19 vaccination at the Ontario COVID-19 Vaccination (external link, opens in new window)  or Toronto Public Health COVID-19 (external link, opens in new window)  webpages.

Implement layers of protection.

• Stay up-to-date with your vaccinations.
  • Check the Flu Vaccine Information and COVID-19 Vaccine Information sections above for more information.
• Consider wearing a high quality, well-fitting mask in crowded indoor public settings with poor ventilation, especially if you or people around you are at higher risk (such as seniors, those with a weak immune system, or young children).
• Stay home if you are sick or have symptoms of illness, even if they are mild.
  • Want to stay home but have something due? Speak with your professor about your condition.
• Wash and sanitize your hands often.
  • Hand hygiene practices (external link, opens in new window) 
• Cover your cough or sneeze with your elbow or a tissue.
• Keep a physical distance when possible, especially indoors.
• Socialize outdoors when possible.

Learn more about Reducing the Spread of Respiratory Infections (external link, opens in new window)  on the City of Toronto website.

How can I tell if I have the flu or COVID-19?

It is difficult to tell what the cause of respiratory symptoms is without testing. No matter what the cause of your illness is, most people should self-isolate and manage symptoms with simple things like rest, lots of fluids, and over-the-counter medications.

Can I receive the flu vaccine if I have an egg allergy?

Yes, egg allergy is not a contraindication (external link, opens in new window)  for influenza vaccination, and you may be vaccinated against influenza using the full dose of any age appropriate product.

I heard there could be side effects from getting flu vaccination. Is it true?

It’s much safer to get the flu vaccine than to get the flu. Common side effects include soreness and swelling in the injection site, headache, slight fever, muscle aches, etc., that may last a few days. In rare cases, allergic reactions can occur but they can be treated and are usually temporary. For more information about the rare events associated with the flu vaccine (external link, opens in new window) .

I have already completed my COVID-19 primary series (two initial doses). Why do I need to get a booster?

The booster targets new strains of the virus and increases protection that may have decreased since your last vaccine or COVID-19 infection.

I had COVID-19 and recovered. Do I still need the vaccine?

Yes. We don't know how long natural immunity from COVID-19 lasts, so it is best to get vaccinated even if you've had COVID-19 before. The suggested interval between COVID-19 infection and vaccine dose is six months after symptom onset, or positive test if asymptomatic.

I heard there could be side effects from getting COVID-19 vaccination. Is it true?

As of September 2023, only around six people out of every 10,000 people vaccinated have reported one or more adverse events. The large majority of these cases are considered non serious, including soreness at the site of injection and slight fever. In rare cases (around one report per 100,000 doses administered), serious adverse events may occur, including severe allergic reactions. That is why it is important to wait for a period of time at the place where you receive your vaccination in case of an allergic reaction.

Myocarditis and pericarditis are types of inflammation in different parts of the heart, and can occur rarely in teens and young adults after getting a COVID-19 vaccine. Most cases are mild, are treated with medication and rest, and get better in a few days. For other information on rare but potential side effects, please refer to the COVID-19 Vaccine Safety page (external link, opens in new window)  on the Government of Canada’s website.

Can the COVID-19 vaccine impact fertility or menstrual irregularities?

There is no evidence the vaccines impact fertility, sperm production, menstrual irregularities, puberty, or normal growth and development. Some people may have a temporary change in their menstrual cycle and menstruation experience as the body develops immune response in the first few weeks after vaccination. The World Health Organization recommends not delaying vaccination if menstruating.