Manitoba

Influenza (the flu) is a serious illness that arrives every year in Manitoba in late fall or early winter. It can make you sick for many days and lowers your body’s ability to fight off other infections. That's why the Manitoba government offers free flu shots for those most at risk and the people who take care of them.

For more information about influenza, how to protect against infection and eligibility for free flu vaccine in Manitoba, visit the links below.

What is the flu?

• Influenza (The Flu) (PDF) 58K

How do you fight the flu?

• Cough Etiquette: Cover your Cough (PDF) 185K
• Hand Hygiene: Using Soap and Water (PDF) 173K
• Children's Handwashing (PDF)  640K
• What Do You Do When You Go Achoo (PDF) 515K
• Middle School – Cover Your Cough and Sneeze (PDF) 85K
• Middle School – Handwashing (PDF) 155K
• What Can You Do To Fight the Flu (PDF) 185K
• Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) (PDF) 70K

Got your flu shot?

Seasonal flu shot clinics have already been held for Manitobans who are most at risk for seasonal flu. You should get a free flu shot every year if you are:

• age 65 or older
• a child aged six to 23 months
• an adult or child with heart or lung disease, or other chronic illness
• pregnant (regardless of trimester or due date)
• close household contact of anyone above
• health care worker
• first responder (police officer, fire fighter, paramedic)

Manitobans 65 and over should also get a pneumococcal shot at the same time as the seasonal flu shot. Most adults only need one pneumococcal shot in their lifetime.