Flu and COVID-19 Vaccines Available in Ontario

The Ontario government has announced that residents can now receive free flu shots and updated COVID-19 vaccines at pharmacies, public health units, and primary care providers across the province. The initiative aims to help residents stay healthy during the respiratory illness season.

According to the announcement, all Ontarians aged six months and older are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine if it has been six months since their last dose or a confirmed COVID-19 infection. The government advises consulting healthcare professionals to determine appropriate vaccination schedules.

Starting November 4, the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) immunization, Beyfortus®, will be available for infants and high-risk children up to 24 months. The expanded RSV program will provide free immunization to over 200,000 families through public health units, healthcare providers, and hospitals.

The province has also expanded the RSV prevention program for high-risk older adults, providing doses for individuals aged 60 and older in long-term care homes, Elder Care Lodges, and retirement homes. Ontario is noted as the first in Canada to offer a publicly funded older adult RSV program.