Ontario is launching its fall flu, COVID-19 and RSV immunization programs as respiratory illness season approaches.
Flu and COVID-19 vaccines will be available starting the week of Sept. 28 for high-risk and priority groups, including hospital patients and staff, people living in long-term care and other group settings, and those 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 doctors’ and nurse practitioners’ offices.
Ontario has also expanded its RSV prevention program. People aged 75 and older, as well as some people aged 60 to 74 who are at higher risk, are eligible for RSV vaccines.
Starting Oct. 1, eligible newborns and infants up to eight months old can receive an RSV immunization. Some high-risk children up to 24 months old are also eligible.
Pregnant women can also receive an RSV vaccine to help protect their babies after birth.
Health officials are encouraging Ontarians to stay up to date on recommended vaccines to help reduce the risk of serious illness during respiratory illness season.
