Influenza vaccines (also called flu shots) help you to prevent getting sick by introducing your body to a weakened or dead version of the virus to teach your body to build immunity to it.

This year, there will be vaccines for both types of flu – one for the regular seasonal influenza, and one for the H1N1 flu virus.

Canada has a contract in place with GlaxoSmithKline to produce 50.4 million doses of H1N1 flu virus vaccine. This is enough vaccine for all Canadians who need and want protection.

The vaccine is expected to be available in November 2009. Once the vaccine is approved for use, the Government of Canada will make recommendations on how many doses will be required.