Health News For South West


Friday, September 25, 2026
Ontario. Ministry of Health - [Toronto - University Avenue] - [Public Health Care]
Ontario Protecting Communities from Respiratory Illnesses

Flu and COVID-19 immunizations available starting the week of September 28 for high-risk groups and on October 26 for the general public
         
The Ontario government is protecting families and vulnerable people from respiratory illnesses by launching its fall immunization programs. To help prevent serious illness and keep communities healthy, 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 respiratory illness season approaches, our government is continuing to take action to protect our families and communities,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “Working with our health-care partners, we are ensuring everyone has timely and convenient access to flu, COVID-19 and RSV immunizations close to home.”

The initial supply of COVID-19 vaccines and flu vaccines will be available for high-risk and priority groups who live, work or study in Ontario, starting the week of September 28, 2026, 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 October 26, free flu and COVID-19 shots will be available to the general public at participating pharmacies, public health units and participating doctor and nurse practitioner offices.

As part of the province’s recent expansion to the adult RSV prevention program, 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 also eligible to receive RSV vaccines, Abrysvo® or Arexvy, at any time during the year.

Additionally, 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®, from an obstetrician, midwife or primary care provider to help protect their infant at birth.

“With respiratory illness season approaching, I encourage our most vulnerable to take steps to protect themselves and their loved ones,” said Dr. Kieran Moore, Chief Medical Officer of Health. “Staying up to date on recommended immunizations remains one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of serious illness, helping to keep our communities healthy, maximizing the impact of our public health programs and delivering greater value for Ontarians.”

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 flu and COVID-19 vaccines, and RSV if you are eligible. 
  • Availability of immunizations may vary across providers. Call ahead to ensure your provider has supply before going. 
  • The risk of severe outcomes from RSV infection is highest among 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:

"Protecting our seniors and people with disabilities from respiratory illnesses is job number one. As flu season approaches, we must help to prevent serious illness and keep our seniors and people with disabilities safe and healthy. I encourage all seniors and those who are eligible to get their flu, COVID-19 and RSV immunizations as soon as they become available."

- Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility

"Our fall immunization programs are critical in our government’s commitment to ensuring Ontarians living in long-term care get the quality of care they deserve. Together with effective infection prevention and control practices in long-term care homes, these immunization programs will help protect Ontario by prioritizing the health and well-being of residents, staff and caregivers."

- Natalia Kusendova-Bashta , Minister of Long-Term Care and Francophone Affairs 

"Making vaccines easy and convenient to access is one of the best ways to protect Ontarians during respiratory illness season. Pharmacy professionals across Ontario are proud to support the province’s efforts to keep communities healthy by providing timely access to vaccines, including flu and COVID-19."

- Justin Bates, Chief Executive Officer, Ontario Pharmacists Association 

"Immunization remains one of the most effective tools we have to prevent serious illness and protect vulnerable patients. Family physicians play a vital role in providing vaccines, offering trusted advice and helping patients stay up to date on recommended immunizations. As we enter respiratory illness season, making recommended vaccines more accessible in communities across the province will increase protection and help keep Ontarians healthy."

- Dr. Eric Wong, President, Ontario College of Family Physicians

"Vaccines are one of the safest, simplest, and most effective ways we can protect ourselves and the people we care about from serious illness. We are encouraged by the province’s recent expansion to the RSV prevention program which will help protect Ontarians. As a family physician, I encourage Ontarians to make immunization part of their health-care planning this fall. These steps can make a real difference for the people in our communities who are most vulnerable."

- Dr. Rebecca Hicks, President, Ontario Medical Association 

"As we enter another respiratory season, GSK is proud to partner with the Government of Ontario to help protect people across the province through accessible RSV and flu vaccine programs. Vaccines remain one of the most effective tools available to reduce the burden of respiratory illness and help keep Ontarians healthy. We appreciate Ontario's continued commitment to prevention, helping more people access the vaccines they need, where and when it is most convenient for them."

- Perry McLean, Interim Business Unit Head, Vaccines, GSK

"CSL Seqirus welcomes the launch of Ontario’s fall immunization program and applauds the province’s continued efforts to protect communities during respiratory illness season. Influenza places a significant burden on individuals and the health-care system each year, underscoring the importance of timely and accessible vaccination. We are proud to support Ontario’s immunization efforts through the supply of Flucelvax® and Fluad®, helping protect the broader population and older adults. Together with government and health-care partners, we remain committed to improving access to vaccination and supporting healthier outcomes for Ontarians."

- Gillian Stafford, Country Head, Commercial Operations, CSL Seqirus Canada

"As respiratory viruses continue to evolve, it is important that Canadians have access to the latest scientific innovations that can help protect them from serious illness. At Pfizer, we remain committed to bringing innovative vaccines and medicines to Canadians and working alongside public health partners to help strengthen prevention efforts and support healthier communities across the country."

- An Van Gerven, President, Pfizer Canada

"Research shows that vaccination is key to helping prevent respiratory infections, reduce hospitalizations, and ultimately ease the burden on the health-care system. As the largest vaccines manufacturer in Canada, Sanofi is a longstanding supporter of Ontario’s respiratory immunization programs and is proud to offer Canadians a differentiated flu vaccine option for those 65 years of age and older, all infant RSV protection, and now a non-mRNA, protein-based option to protect against COVID-19."

- Michael Laclair, General Manager, Vaccines, Sanofi

"Moderna is proud to support Ontario’s ongoing efforts to help protect people across the province with timely access to updated COVID-19 vaccines. We are equally proud of Ontario’s decision to include our Canadian COVID-19 vaccine in the 2026 fall vaccination campaign, supporting domestic manufacturing capacity and helping build a stronger, more resilient vaccine ecosystem here at home."

- Stefan Raos, General Manager, Moderna Canada    

Additional Resources


Media Contacts:

Lily Barnes
Minister Jones’ Office
Lily.Barnes@ontario.ca

Media Relations
Communications Branch
media.moh@ontario.ca

© 2026, thehealthline.ca All rights reserved.