• Adults (including pregnant women) and children with the following chronic health condition
  • cardiac or pulmonary disorders (including bronchopulmonary dysplasia, cystic fibrosis and asthma);
  • diabetes mellitus and other metabolic diseases;
  • cancer, immune compromising conditions (due to underlying disease and/or therapy);
  • renal disease;
  • anemia or hemoglobinopathy;
  • conditions that compromise the management of respiratory secretions and are associated with an increased risk of aspiration;
  • morbid obesity (BMI>=40); and
  • children and adolescents with conditions treated for long periods with acetylsalicylic acid.
• People of any age who are residents of nursing homes and other chronic care facilities.
• People >= 65 years of age.
• Healthy children 6 to 59 months of age.
• Healthy pregnanct women (the risk of influenza-related hospitalization increases with length of gestation, i.e. it is higher in the third than in the second trimester).
• Aboriginal peoples.

• Health care and other care providers in facilities and community settings who, through their activities, are capable of transmitting influenza to those at high risk of influenza complications.
• Household contacts (adults and children) of individuals at high risk of influenza complications (whether or not the individual at high risk has been immunized):
  • household contacts of individuals at high risk, as listed in the section above;
  • household contacts of infants <6 months of age as these infants are at high risk of complications from influenza but cannot receive influenza vaccine; and
  • members of a household expecting a newborn during the influenza season.
• Those providing regular child care to children <24 months of age, whether in or out of the home.
• Those who provide services within closed or relatively closed settings to persons at high risk (e.g. crew on a ship).

Others

• People who provide essential community services.
• People in direct contact during culling operations with poultry infected with avian influenza.
• Persons at high risk of influenza complications embarking on travel to destinations where influenza is likely to be circulating.

Will the flu shot give me the flu?

You cannot get the flu from the vaccine. There may be mild symptoms of influenza, but the viral component of the vaccine is dead so it cannot multiply.

Generally it takes 2 weeks after receiving the flu vaccine for the body to develop immunity to the influenza virus.

People who become ill after receiving their shot may have caught a cold or another virus. It is also possible to catch another strain of influenza not included in the vaccine.

Where do I get my flu shot?

If you are 65 years of age or older:
This year, Islanders 65 years of age and older will also receive the vaccine free of charge at clinics that will be set up across the Province between mid October and mid November in various communities across the province. Call your local Public Health Nursing Office to book a free appointment:
Public Health Nursing
- West Prince- 859-8720
- East Prince - 888-8160
- Charlottetown - 368-4530
- Montague - 838-0762
- Souris - 687-7049 

If you have children aged 6 to 59 months:
All children aged 6-59 months can get a free flu shot, the appointment needs to be booked with your local Public Health Nursing Office:
Public Health Nursing
- West Prince- 859-8720
- East Prince - 888-8160
- Charlottetown - 368-4530
- Montague - 838-0762
- Souris - 687-7049 

If you are pregnant:
Pregnant women and household contacts of pregnant women, will be provided the vaccine free of charge at Public Health Nursing locations across the province by appointment or at your obstetrical offices in the province. 
Public Health Nursing
- West Prince- 859-8720
- East Prince - 888-8160
- Charlottetown - 368-4530
- Montague - 838-0762
- Souris - 687-7049 

All Islanders:
The Department of Health and Wellness provides the Influenza vaccine to physicians’ offices, provincial health centres and public health offices free of charge; however, as in past years, a fee may be charged to cover the cost of administering the vaccine. Please call your family physician or a local health centre to book your appointment.
Contact Information for Health Centres 
- Eastern Kings Health Centre (Souris) - 687-7033
- Montague Medical Centre - 838-0830
- Four Neighbourhoods Health Centre (Charlottetown) - 569-7772
- Central Queens Health Centre (Hunter River) - Watch for local clinic dates
- Gulf Shore Health Centre (Rustico) - Watch for local clinic dates
- Harbourside Health Centre (Summerside) - 432-2600
- Evangeline Health Centre (Wellington) - 854-7259
- Tyne Valley Health Centre - 831-5800
- O’Leary Health Centre - 859-3929
- Alberton Health Services - 853-0403
- Kensington Health Centre – 836-0180