As respiratory illness season approaches, the Ontario government is urging residents of all ages to take advantage of free vaccinations against the flu, COVID-19, and RSV.
You can now receive your seasonal flu and updated COVID-19 vaccines at pharmacies, public health units, or through your primary care providers as part of a province-wide immunization effort.
Everyone six months and older can now receive their flu and COVID-19 vaccines at participating pharmacies, public health units and doctor and nurse practitioner offices across Ontario.
“Getting immunized is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself, your loved ones, and our communities,” said Sylvia Jones, Minister of Health. “As we head into respiratory illness season, I encourage everyone to stay up to date with their flu and COVID-19 vaccines, which are free, safe, effective, and available across the province.”
Staying up-to-date with your routine and recommended immunizations is the best way to protect yourself and your community this fall and winter. Getting both the COVID-19 and the flu vaccines at the same time is safe and recommended to avoid multiple trips to a health-care provider.
The free adult RSV immunizations, Abrysvo or Arexvy, are also available and recommended to everyone 75 years of age and older, building on last year’s expansion of the RSV prevention programs that also include:
- Certain high-risk adults aged 60+, such as residents of long-term care homes or retirement homes
- Infants less than eight months of age born on April 1 or after
- High-risk children less than 24 months of age
Pregnant women have the option to receive the RSV vaccine Abrysvo, which can help provide protection to infants at birth. Alternatively, eligible newborns, infants, and high-risk children can receive the Beyfortus immunization.
“Immunization remains one of the most powerful tools in our toolbox to prevent serious illness and hospitalizations,” said Dr. Kieran Moore, Chief Medical Officer of Health. “Getting your flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines, if eligible, this fall is safe, convenient, and helps protect our most vulnerable populations. I encourage everyone to take advantage of the free vaccines available across the province.”
Immunizations in Ontario’s routine immunization schedule are provided free of charge if you meet the eligibility criteria. If you are unsure about which immunizations you or your family have received or are eligible for, talk to a health-care provider or your local public health unit.
To receive protection from currently circulating strains of respiratory illness, it is recommended you get the COVID-19 and flu vaccines annually each fall.
