Beginning Monday, October 27, Ontario residents aged six months and older will be able to access updated COVID-19 and influenza vaccines through participating pharmacies and healthcare providers, as health officials urge renewed vigilance ahead of the fall and winter respiratory season.
In addition to flu and COVID-19 immunizations, a respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine will be made available through healthcare providers for adults aged 75 and older, as well as for individuals aged 60 to 74 deemed at high risk.
Public health officials are advising anyone who has not received a COVID-19 vaccination or contracted the virus in the past six months to consider an additional dose, citing concerns over new variants expected to circulate in the coming months.
“Vaccination remains one of the safest and most effective ways to protect ourselves, our families, and those around us,” said Dr. Jason Malenfant, Acting Medical Officer of Health for Grand Erie Public Health (GEPH), in a statement.
“Staying current with your flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines helps lower the risk of serious illness and plays an important role in keeping our community healthy.”
Health authorities are emphasizing that influenza, COVID-19, and RSV—though often compared to the common cold—can lead to severe complications, particularly in vulnerable populations such as young children, pregnant individuals, and older adults.
This year’s fall immunization rollout comes amid rising concerns over strain on the healthcare system, with officials encouraging residents to adopt preventative measures beyond vaccination.
These include staying home while ill, masking in crowded or high-risk settings, frequent hand washing, and regular disinfection of high-touch surfaces.
Both flu and COVID-19 vaccines can be administered at the same appointment, which officials say will streamline access and improve coverage. Residents seeking RSV vaccination are advised to contact their healthcare provider to determine eligibility.
Vaccines will be available at select pharmacies across the province, with a complete list of participating locations accessible through Ontario’s vaccine portal at Ontario.ca/vaccine-locations.
Local updates on respiratory illness activity in the Grand Erie region can also be tracked via GEPH’s Seasonal Respiratory Dashboard for the 2025–26 season.
GEPH, one of Ontario’s newly consolidated public health units, was formed in January 2025 following the merger of the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit and the Brant County Health Unit. It serves the County of Brant, City of Brantford, Haldimand County, and Norfolk County, and operates under the provincial Health Protection and Promotion Act.
For more information on COVID-19 and influenza vaccines, visit Ontario.ca/page/vaccines.
