The Ontario government is protecting families and vulnerable people from respiratory illnesses by launching its fall immunization programs. To help prevent serious illness and keep communities healthy, everyone is encouraged to get their flu and COVID-19 vaccines as soon as they become available, as well as RSV immunization for those eligible.
“As respiratory illness season approaches, our government is continuing to take action to protect our families and communities,” said Sylvia Jones, deputy premier and minister of health. “Working with our health-care partners, we are ensuring everyone has timely and convenient access to flu, COVID-19 and RSV immunizations close to home.”
The initial supply of COVID-19 vaccines and flu vaccines will be available for high-risk and priority groups who live, work or study in Ontario, starting the week of Sept. 28, including hospitalized patients, hospital staff, residents and staff in long-term care homes, retirement homes and other congregate settings, and individuals aged 65 and older.
Starting Oct. 26, free flu and COVID-19 shots will be available to the general public at participating pharmacies, public health units and participating doctor and nurse practitioner offices.
As part of the province’s recent expansion to the adult RSV prevention program, Ontario residents aged 60 to 74 who meet certain high-risk criteria or live in specific higher-risk settings, as well as those aged 75 and older, are also eligible to receive RSV vaccines, Abrysvo or Arexvy, at any time during the year.
Additionally, starting Oct. 1, eligible newborns and infants up to eight months of age in their first RSV season and high-risk children up to 24 months of age in their second RSV season can receive the Beyfortus immunization. Pregnant women also have the option to receive the RSV vaccine, Abrysvo, from an obstetrician, midwife or primary care provider to help protect their infant at birth.
“With respiratory illness season approaching, I encourage our most vulnerable to take steps to protect themselves and their loved ones,” said Dr. Kieran Moore, chief medical officer of health. “Staying up to date on recommended immunizations remains one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of serious illness, helping to keep our communities healthy, maximizing the impact of our public health programs and delivering greater value for Ontarians.”
Vaccines in Ontario’s routine immunization schedule are provided free of charge to those who meet the eligibility criteria. Anyone unsure about which immunizations they or their family have received or are eligible for is encouraged to talk to a health-care provider or their local public health unit.
Through Your Health: A Plan for Connected and Convenient Care, the Ontario government is providing people with the tools they need to connect early to the care they need to keep themselves and their loved ones safe and healthy.
Officials note that people should talk to a health-care provider about co-administration of flu and COVID-19 vaccines, and RSV if eligible, and that availability of immunizations may vary across providers, so residents are encouraged to call ahead to ensure supply before visiting. The risk of severe outcomes from RSV infection is highest among infants under six months of age, as well as children under 24 months of age with health conditions such as chronic lung disease, congenital heart disease, weakened immune systems or neuromuscular disorders. Older adults are also at increased risk of severe outcomes from RSV, especially those with certain chronic health conditions.
Everyone is encouraged to stay up to date on their immunizations, especially children, and to talk to a health-care provider or public health unit if unsure whether a child has missed routine immunizations or which immunizations they have received. Residents can visit Health811 online or call 811 (TTY: 1-866-797-0007 toll free) for health advice and information 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
