Seasonal Flu

To protect yourself as well as those around you from getting influenza (the flu), Manitoba Health is encouraging all Manitobans to get their free seasonal influenza (flu) vaccine in the early fall and every fall.

Did you know?

Pharmacists can now administer COVID and flu vaccines to children 2 years of age and older.


Influenza Vaccine Eligibility

Manitobans 6 months of age and older who are registered with Manitoba Health are eligible for the influenza vaccine free-of-charge.

For the 2022-23 flu season, Manitoba will also offer high-dose inactivated flu vaccines (Fluzone® High-Dose) free-of-charge to anyone aged 65 and older.

International students and out-of-province visitors continue to be eligible to receive the flu vaccine free-of-charge regardless of third-party insurance and/or Manitoba Health coverage (an administration fee may be charged).

An annual flu vaccine is especially important for those at increased risk of serious illness from the flu, their caregivers, and close contacts. This includes:

  • people 65 years of age and older
  • residents of personal care homes or long-term care facilities
  • children six to 59 months of age
  • individuals with the following chronic health conditions:
    • an immune system weakened by disease or medical treatment (e.g., cancer)
    • cardiac or pulmonary disorders (e.g., cystic fibrosis, asthma)
    • long-term acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin®) therapy (for those between six months and 18 years of age only)
    • neurologic or neurodevelopmental conditions
    • diabetes and other metabolic diseases
    • renal disease
    • anemia or hemoglobinopathy
    • obesity (body mass index = 40)
  • pregnant individuals
  • health care workers and first responders
  • those who provide services within closed or relatively closed settings to people at high risk (e.g., crew on a ship)
  • people who provide essential community services
  • regular caregivers of children up to five years of age
  • household contacts of anyone at increased risk of serious illness from the flu including those with infants under six months of age and/or expecting a newborn
  • Indigenous people

Pneumococcal Vaccine

Manitobans over the age of 65 should also get a pneumococcal (Pneu-P-23) vaccine at the same time as the flu vaccine.  Both the flu and the Pneu-P-23 vaccine are offered at no charge for people aged 65 and older as well as to some people two years of age and older who are at increased risk of pneumococcal infection.

Most people need only one dose of Pneu-P-23 vaccine. Some people living with certain medical conditions require a second dose of Pneu-P-23 vaccine. Talk to your health care provider to determine if/when a second dose is required. Additionally, some individuals living with certain medical conditions (e.g., HIV) may also need another kind of pneumococcal vaccine, known as the Pneu-C-13 vaccine. If you are interested in finding out more about the Pneu-P-23 and/or Pneu-C-13 vaccine, please talk to your health care provider or visit this page to see if you are eligible to receive the Pneu-P-23 and/or Pneu-C-13 vaccine free-of-charge.

Free Flu vaccine is being offered at a variety of sites such as public health offices, medical clinics, pharmacies, vaccine clinics, and nursing stations. Please refer to the Vaccine Finder Map to find the location nearest to you.

Remember to contact your health care provider first to check for flu and/or Pneu-P-23 vaccine availability and/or with your local pharmacist to see if they offer immunization services. Certified pharmacists can administer flu immunizations to people 5 years of age and older. You can also visit the COVID-19 & Influenza (Flu) Vaccine Shot Finder.

If you have any questions about seasonal flu or pneumococcal immunization:

Speak with a health care provider or call Health Links – Info Santé at:

204-788-8200 in Winnipeg or toll-free 1-888-315-9257