Explore the full evidence, provincial case studies and policy recommendations.
<10%
Vaccination coverage among adults 65+ fell from 74% to 64% between 2022/23 and 2025/26.1-3
35%
Adults 65+ account for 35% of laboratory-confirmed flu cases in 2025/26.4
4,031
People aged 65+ were hospitalized with flu in 2025/26.4
WHY IT MATTERS
Flu is more than a seasonal illness
It has lasting consequences for older Canadians and the Canadian health system.
6x
higher heart attack risk
During the first week following laboratory-confirmed influenza infection.
18.2%
Lost independence after hospitalization.
(2010/11-2012/13).
$14,612
CAD
Average hospitalization cost.
(2010/11-2012/13).
PROTECTION IN PRACTICE
Protection is not consistent across Canada
National recommendations are clear, but access to influenza protection still varies across provinces. Differences in funding, eligibility and implementation mean older Canadians do not all receive the same level of protection.
Alberta
780,000 adults 65+
2,665 hospitalizations in 60+ (62% of total hospitalizations)
50% VCR in 65+
Broad pharmacy-based delivery supports access. Lower vaccination coverage and variation in access to age-appropriate vaccination highlight continuing protection gaps.
Ontario
2.95m adults 65+
16,910 cases in 60+ (43% of total cases)
66.7% VCR
Broad access to influenza vaccination, with recommendations supporting age-appropriate vaccination for older adults. Fragmented immunization records continue to limit visibility of protection gaps.
Quebec
1.91m adults 65+
61.8% VCR
Strong centralized vaccination programme. Eligibility for age-appropriate vaccination remains more targeted than in other provinces, largely beginning at age 75+.
Survey-based estimates
National vaccination coverage is largely estimated through surveys.
Fragmented records
Immunization records vary across provinces, limiting visibility of protection gaps.
Influenza vaccination coverage among adults 65+ in Canada
(2021/22-2025/26)
PRIORITIES
Four Priorities For Canada
Reverse declining VCR
Vaccination coverage among adults aged 65+ has fallen sharply, leaving more older Canadians under-protected against severe influenza.
Strengthen public engagement and reinforce awareness that older adults remain at elevated risk.
Expand access to age-appropriate protection
Access to age-appropriate flu protection remain inconsistent.
Better align nation recommendations with provinicial delivery to ensure protection more closely reflects age-related risk.
Support healthy aging
Influenza prevention is not consistently integrated into healthy ageing and chronic disease management despite growing evidence linking influenza with severe outcomes and cardiovascular complications.
Position flu vaccination more consistently within cardiovascular and chronic disease care.
Impove visibility of protection gaps
Fragmented immunization records and survey-based vaccination estimates make it harder to identify under-protected older adults.
Stengthen surveillance and digital immunization infrastructure while maintaining public awareness of the impact of flu.
