Canada’s flu shot 2026 guidance is now in place for the 2026–2027 influenza season, with federal advisers continuing to recommend annual vaccination for almost everyone aged six months and older.
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization released its seasonal influenza vaccine guidance in May 2026, and the Public Health Agency of Canada published a detailed summary in September.
The recommendations cover vaccine types, age-based dosing, priority groups and the timing of immunization.
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What the flu shot 2026 guidance says
NACI recommends that an influenza vaccine be offered every year to anyone at least six months old who does not have a medical contraindication.
The advice places particular emphasis on people more likely to experience serious illness or hospitalization, including adults aged 65 and older, children aged six months to 59 months, pregnant people, people with certain chronic health conditions and residents of long-term-care or other chronic-care facilities.
Vaccination is also especially important for health-care workers, household contacts of people at higher risk, child-care providers and people working in closed or relatively closed settings where influenza could spread quickly.
NACI also identifies people in or from First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities as a priority group because of health inequities and the effects of historic and ongoing colonization and systemic racism.
Children may need two doses
Most adults and children aged nine and older need one influenza vaccine dose each season.
Children aged six months to under nine years who are receiving a flu vaccine for the first time should receive two doses during the season, with at least four weeks between them.
Children in the same age range who have received at least one influenza vaccine dose in a previous season generally need only one dose for 2026–2027.
Trivalent vaccines are now the main formulation
The 2026–2027 vaccine products authorized for use in Canada are primarily trivalent vaccines, containing protection against two influenza A strains and one influenza B strain from the Victoria-like lineage.
The B/Yamagata component has been removed because the lineage has not been detected among naturally circulating seasonal influenza viruses in recent years.
Canada’s immunization guidance says some older quadrivalent products may remain authorized but may not be marketed as manufacturers move to trivalent formulations.
The products listed in federal guidance include standard-dose egg-based and cell-culture-based trivalent vaccines, adjuvanted vaccines, a high-dose vaccine and a live attenuated nasal-spray vaccine.
Availability can vary by province, territory and health-care provider.
There is no longer a recombinant influenza vaccine authorized for use in Canada, according to the Canadian Immunization Guide.
Which vaccine should older adults receive?
For adults aged 65 and older, NACI recommends offering a high-dose, adjuvanted or recombinant influenza vaccine when available.
Because the recombinant option is no longer authorized in Canada, older adults may be offered a high-dose or adjuvanted product, depending on what is available through their local program.
If those products are unavailable, NACI says any age-appropriate influenza vaccine should be used rather than delaying vaccination.
When should Canadians get vaccinated?
Federal guidance says vaccination before the influenza season begins is preferred, because it takes about two weeks for the strongest protection to develop.
People should not assume that a later appointment is pointless.
The vaccine may still be given through the influenza season, and delayed vaccination can provide protection against infections and complications later in the season.
The exact timing of clinics and appointments is managed by provincial and territorial health authorities, pharmacies, family doctors and other providers.
Canadians should check their local public-health service for booking information and product availability.
Flu shots can be given with other vaccines
The influenza vaccine can be administered during the same appointment as other vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines, or at any time before or after them.
A flu shot does not protect against COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus or avian influenza A(H5N1), so people should follow separate recommendations for those illnesses.
Federal health information says common side effects after influenza vaccination are generally mild and resolve within a few days.
The vaccine cannot cause influenza, and severe reactions are rare.
What happens next
Provinces and territories will determine how and where publicly funded influenza vaccines are delivered during the 2026–2027 season.
Canadians should confirm eligibility, appointment options and available vaccine products with their local health authority or pharmacist, particularly if they are arranging vaccination for a young child or an older adult.
NACI will continue to monitor influenza activity, vaccine evidence and product availability and may update its recommendations if conditions change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should get the flu shot in Canada for 2026–2027?
NACI recommends annual influenza vaccination for everyone aged six months and older who does not have a contraindication.
How many flu vaccine doses do children need?
Children aged six months to under nine years receiving the vaccine for the first time need two doses at least four weeks apart. Previously vaccinated children generally need one dose.
Are 2026–2027 flu vaccines trivalent or quadrivalent?
The vaccines listed in Canadian guidance are primarily trivalent. The B/Yamagata component has been removed because it has not circulated naturally in recent years.
Can the flu shot be given with a COVID-19 vaccine?
Yes. Federal guidance says influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given during the same appointment or at different times.
Which flu vaccine is recommended for people aged 65 and older?
NACI recommends offering a high-dose or adjuvanted vaccine when available. If those products are unavailable, any age-appropriate influenza vaccine should be used.
Fact-Checked: Key recommendations, vaccine formulations, age-based dosing and federal publication dates were checked against current Public Health Agency of Canada and NACI information.
Disclaimer: This article provides general public-health information and does not replace advice from a doctor, pharmacist or local health authority.