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)  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.

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

• The flu vaccine is safe, effective and the best way to protect yourself against getting very sick from the flu.
• Each year there is a new vaccine to try to match the strains that are expected to spread. The vaccine can provide protection even when the match to the strain of flu circulating is not exact. Flu vaccines are about 50 per cent effective in preventing the flu in healthy adults. The vaccine also reduces the risk of getting very sick from complications of an infection by 50 per cent. 
• How much protection the vaccine gives depends on a person’s age and immune system. It takes two weeks for your body to develop an immune response from the vaccine.
• The flu vaccine may also provide protection against some other diseases including invasive Group A Streptococcal Disease (iGAS). 
• Studies have shown the flu vaccine lowers the risk of heart attack or stroke, especially in those with heart disease.
• The flu vaccine is one of the ways in which we can protect our loved ones and ourselves as we move into spending more time indoors.
• More info on the flu vaccine can be found here  (external link) and here (external link) . 

Get your flu shot on campus at either one of the pop-up vaccine clinics, or by appointment at the Medical Centre after November 6th.

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

• 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) . 
• Every person, including those without OHIP cards, may get vaccinated at any clinic or pharmacy clinic offering COVID-19 vaccines.
• The COVID-19 booster may be available in very limited quantities at the TMU Medical Centre. 
• The COVID-19 vaccine is safe to get at the same time as most other vaccines, including the flu shot. 
• Vaccination is one way to stop the spread of respiratory viruses. Here are some other ways (external link)  to reduce the spread of respiratory viruses this flu season. 

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) 
• Cover your cough or sneeze with your elbow or a tissue. 
• Keep a physical distance when possible, especially indoors. 
• Socialize outdoors when possible.

Click here (external link)  for more details. 

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)  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.