Ontario Fall Shots: Flu & COVID Vaccines Launch Soon

Ontario is set to begin its fall immunization campaign, commencing the week of September 28. Initially, the program will prioritize high-risk individuals, such as hospital patients and staff, long-term care residents and employees, and those aged 65 and older, with access to flu and COVID-19 vaccines.

Approximately one month later, on October 26, free flu and COVID-19 vaccines will become accessible to the wider public. These will be available through participating pharmacies, public health units, and healthcare providers' offices across the province.

In addition to flu and COVID-19 shots, Ontario is enhancing protection against RSV. Adults aged 75 and above, along with specific higher-risk individuals aged 60 to 74, are now eligible for RSV vaccines. Furthermore, eligible newborns and infants can receive RSV immunization beginning October 1.

The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) is actively preparing for the respiratory season. The region experienced a challenging flu season last year, with over 1,200 cases and nearly 250 hospitalizations. WECHU distributed more than 83,000 flu vaccine doses last season, an increase from the previous year. Wastewater surveillance indicates an early rise in COVID-19 activity, with some flu presence noted in neighboring Michigan.