Thursday, September 18, 2025
Ontario Protecting Communities From Respiratory Illnesses
Province launching Flu, COVID-19 and RSV immunizations for high-risk groups and on October 27 for the public
The Ontario government is protecting families and vulnerable people from respiratory illnesses by preparing to launch its fall immunization programs. To help prevent serious illness, 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 we head into respiratory illness season, our government is using every tool in our toolbox to protect our communities, families and our most vulnerable,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “Working with our health-care partners, we are making sure flu, COVID-19 and RSV immunizations are available close to home, where and when they are needed.”
Immunizations for high-risk and priority groups will begin in phases:
- COVID-19 vaccines will be available starting the week of September 22
- Flu vaccines will be available starting the week of September 29
The initial supply of flu and COVID-19 vaccines in September and October will be available for high-risk and priority groups who live, work or study in Ontario, including:
- Hospitalized patients
- Hospital staff
- Residents and staff in long-term care homes, retirement homes and other congregate settings
- Individuals aged 65 and older
Starting the week of September 22, 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 eligible to receive RSV vaccines, Abrysvo® or Arexvy, as part of the province’s recent expansion to the adult RSV prevention program.
Starting October 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® which can help protect infants at birth.
Starting October 27, free flu and COVID-19 shots will be available to the general public at participating pharmacies, some public health units and participating doctor and nurse practitioner offices.
“As we head into the fall, it’s important that we take simple, effective steps to stay healthy,” said Dr. Kieran Moore, Chief Medical Officer of Health. “Staying up-to-date on seasonal vaccines is significant to protect yourself, your family and loved ones and is a cornerstone of our preparedness this respiratory season.”
Vaccines 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.
Through Your Health: A Plan for Connected and Convenient Care, the Ontario government is providing people with the tools they need early to connect to the care they need to keep themselves and their loved ones safe and healthy.
Quick Facts:
- Talk to a health-care provider about co-administration of COVID-19 and flu vaccines, and for RSV if you are eligible. Availability of immunizations may vary across providers. Call ahead to ensure your provider has supply before going.
- As recommended by the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI), individuals should receive the most recent formulation of the COVID-19 vaccine in the fall as it is expected to provide a better immune response against currently circulating COVID-19 strains.
- Full details on COVID-19 vaccination this fall will be available by visiting ontario.ca/covidvaccines.
- The risk of severe outcomes from RSV infection is highest among premature infants, 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 also are at increased risk of severe outcomes from RSV, especially those with certain chronic health conditions.
- Everyone should stay up to date on their immunizations, especially children. Talk to a health-care provider or your public health unit if you are unsure if your child has missed routine immunizations or if you are unsure about which immunizations they have received.
- 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.
Quotes:
"The vaccination programs offered through our government are helping seniors to stay active, healthy and socially connected in our communities. I encourage all seniors to protect themselves by utilizing the available programs: stay safe and stay vaccinated!"
- Raymond Cho, Minister of Seniors and Accessibility
"Our fall immunization programs are critical to our government’s ongoing efforts to ensure Ontarians living in long-term care get the quality of care they deserve. Along with effective infection and prevention control practices in long-term care homes, these immunization programs will help protect Ontario by prioritizing the health and safety of residents, staff and caregivers."
- Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, Minister of Long-Term Care
"The Ontario Pharmacists Association is pleased to see the province’s continued commitment to supporting local communities through pharmacy. Pharmacy professionals across Ontario are proud to support another respiratory illness season—delivering flu and COVID-19 vaccines to ensure all Ontarians have timely access to care that keeps them healthy and safe."
- Justin Bates, CEO, Ontario Pharmacists Association
"As respiratory viruses circulate this fall, vaccination is our strongest defense. We encourage all Ontarians, especially seniors and others at higher risk of complications from infection, to get their seasonal vaccines as soon as they’re available. If you’re unsure about timing or eligibility, your family physician can help you make a plan and find convenient options close to home. Getting protected now lowers the risk of severe illness and helps keep people healthier in their communities and out of hospitals."
- Dr. Jobin Varughese, President, Ontario College of Family Physicians
"At GSK, we believe that expanding access to RSV immunization is essential to protecting seniors and supporting our health-care system, especially during the winter respiratory season. That’s why we’re proud to once again partner with Ontario to offer Arexvy—our innovative adjuvanted RSV vaccine—to adults aged 75 and over. This partnership reflects GSK’s deep commitment to improving public health and ensuring timely access to innovative medicines and vaccines to patients across Ontario and Canada."
- Sridhar Venkatesh, President and General Manager, GSK Canada
"CSL Seqirus commends the efforts of the Ontario government in promoting vaccination and prioritizing the health and well-being of Ontarians. Influenza remains among the 10 leading causes of death in Canada. This respiratory illness season, we are again proud to provide the Ontario government with Flucelvax®, a cell-based influenza vaccine for the general population, as well as Fluad® for Ontarians aged 65 and older, to help protect themselves from flu, while reducing the burden on the health-care system. We are committed to continuing to work closely with the government as well as our partners to ensure that vaccines are available and accessible to Ontarians."
- Gillian Stafford, CSL Seqirus Country Head Commercial Operations, Canada
"As we enter respiratory illness season, it’s more important than ever to take proactive steps to protect our health. By expanding access to flu, COVID-19, and RSV immunizations, Ontario is helping more people stay healthy and active. At Pfizer Canada, we’re committed to supporting healthier communities, because when people thrive, so does our society."
- An Van Gerven, President, Pfizer Canada
"Sanofi applauds the Ontario Government for its leadership in immunization programs and commitment to best protecting Ontarians of all ages from respiratory illness this fall and winter. We are proud of Sanofi’s continued partnership supporting these important programs for Ontarians and that once again Beyfortus® will be offering RSV protection to all eligible newborns and infants; that Fluzone® will continue to provide flu protection to those six months of age and older; and that Fluzone® High-Dose will continue to offer flu protection specifically formulated for adults 65 years of age and older."
- Delphine Lansac, General Manager, Vaccines, Sanofi Canada
"We are proud that Ontario’s fall vaccination campaign includes Moderna’s first made-in-Canada COVID-19 vaccines, fill-and-finished here in Ontario in pre-filled syringes. This milestone reflects not only Canada’s growing biomanufacturing capacity, but also our shared commitment to ensuring Ontarians have timely access to next-generation mRNA vaccines to help protect communities this fall."
- Stefan Raos, General Manager, Moderna Canada
Additional Resources:
Media Contacts:
Ema Popovic
Minister Jones’ Office
ema.popovic@ontario.ca
Media Relations
Communications Branch
media.moh@ontario.ca
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