TorontoOntario announced today its schedule for the fall immunization programs, encouraging residents to get flu and COVID-19 vaccinations.Province encouraging residents to get flu and COVID-19 vaccinationsIn a media release Thursday, the province said free flu and COVID-19 shots will be available to Ontarians as of Oct. 27 at participating pharmacies, some public health units and doctor’s offices. (The Canadian Press)The Ontario government has released its schedule for fall immunization programs as it encourages residents to get flu and COVID-19 vaccinations.In a media release on Thursday, the province said free flu and COVID-19 shots will be available to Ontarians as of Oct. 27 at participating pharmacies, some public health units and doctor’s offices.Health Minister Sylvia Jones said in the release that Ontario is working with health-care partners to ensure immunizations are available and accessible to all.”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,” she said.COVID-19 vaccines will be available for certain high-risk and priority groups starting the week of Sept. 22, while flu vaccines will be available to those same individuals starting the week of Sept. 29, according to the release. The high-risk and priority group includes: Hospitalized patients Hospital staff. Residents and staff in long-term care homes, retirement homes and other congregate settings. Individuals aged 65 or older. Ontarians should get the most recent formulation of the COVID-19 shot, as recommended by the National Advisory Committee on Immunization, for better immune responses against the current strains of the virus, the province said in its release. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines will also be available as of Sept. 22 for Ontarians aged 60 to 74 who meet certain high-risk criteria. Those aged 75 or older are also eligible to receive RSV vaccines.WATCH | COVID-19 season has begun in many parts of Canada:Wastewater shows high levels of COVID-19 as provinces prep for fall vaccine rolloutAs COVID-19 levels start to rise in parts of Canada, experts say updated vaccines are a good match against the circulating XFG variant, especially for older Canadians and people with underlying medical conditions.Raymond Cho, minister of seniors and accessibility, said in the release that he encourages all seniors to protect themselves. “The vaccination programs offered through our government are helping seniors to stay active, healthy and socially connected in our communities,” he said.By the start of October, eligible children up to eight months old in their first RSV season, and high-risk children up to 24 months old in their second RSV season, will be able to receive the Beyfortus immunization. Pregnant women have the option to receive the RSV vaccine Abrysvo.Even though Alberta and Quebec have said they will no longer offer vaccines against COVID-19 free of charge, Ontario says its vaccine remains publicly funded and there will be no charge to the general population.Vaccines can reduce severity of infection, doctor saysDr. Isaac Bogoch, an infectious diseases specialist at Toronto General Hospital, said on Thursday that Ontario will see a rise in cases of influenza, RSV and COVID-19 as winter approaches. Cases involving all three viruses will rise in December, January and February, he said. “Our healthcare system is going to be caring for many more patients with these infections. We can reduce the severity of infection and sometimes we can even reduce the risk of infection with these vaccines,” Bogoch said.Dr. Isaac Bogoch, an infectious diseases specialist at Toronto General Hospital, says vaccines can reduce the severity and risk of infections. (Zoom)Bogoch said health-care professionals often look to Australia to see how significant its influenza season was. This year, it was not as bad as it was the previous year, but it still was a worse than normal influenza season, he said.”I think we can expect a significant influenza season this winter,” he said.The RSV season will take off soon, he said. As for the COVID-19 season, he said it’s already started and there’s been a rise in the percentage of positive cases, with people already coming into hospital with the virus.Charging for vaccines, he added, is a barrier to vaccination. “We really need to make sure that those at greatest risk have access to vaccines,” he said.Talk to a doctor if hesitant about vaccines, expert saysJustin Bates, CEO of the Ontario Pharmacists Association, said he is encouraging anyone hesitant about getting immunized to talk to their health-care providers.”Having that trusted health-care professional sit down and walk you through all of the benefits and address any of the concerns that you or your family may have is really an important part of that process,” Bates said.Bates said not charging for vaccines shows commitment to the science behind immunization and any barriers, such as a fee, will reduce the chances of a person getting immunized.”I’m proud to be in the province where the government recognizes the value of publicly funded immunizations and that they’re sticking with that through this fall season.” ABOUT THE AUTHORGabriela Silva Ponte has been with CBC Toronto Local News since January 2025, at first in an internship capacity and afterwards as an Editorial Assistant. Previously, she worked in Portuguese media, CBC Dragons’ Den and her university’s school newspaper and radio station. She graduated from Toronto Metropolitan University with a Bachelor of Journalism and minors in Criminology and Politics. You can reach her at gabriela.silva.ponte@cbc.ca.
Looking for your next COVID-19 or flu shot? Here’s when you can get it in Ontario
