With the respiratory illness season expected to arrive earlier than normal, the provincial government is outlining what vaccines will be available to help protect Ontarians.
Flu shots will begin going into the arms of the most vulnerable high-risk populations, including long-term care home residents and staff and hospital workers, as of this month. All other Ontarians, aged six months and older, will be able to get the free flu shot starting October 30. They will be available at doctor and nurse practitioner offices, some public health units, and participating pharmacies.
Moderna’s updated Spikevax COVID-19 vaccine is expected to arrive in Ontario later this month. Initial doses will be prioritized for higher risk populations. The updated vaccine, approved by Health Canada on Tuesday, better protects against the new Omicron XBB variant and has been deemed safe for people aged six months of age and older. The provincial government will release more details about its rollout once it has received its first shipments. Original COVID-19 vaccines will also continue to be available to Ontarians six months removed from their last dose.
The first publicly funded vaccination program for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is also set to begin in Ontario. People 60 and older in long-term care homes, Elder Care Lodges, and some retirement homes will be the first to get the shot. Health Canada approved the RSV vaccine named Arexvy in August. A timeline for its rollout to the general public has not been released.
Thursday's provincial announcement about vaccine availability is part of Ontario's fall preparedness plan that aims to prevent unnecessary hospital visits. Last year's respiratory illness season led to overwhelmed emergency departments in hospitals across the province.
“It’s important to remember the simple and effective ways we can protect ourselves and the most vulnerable,” said Dr. Kieran Moore, the province's chief medical officer of health. “Stay up to date with your COVID-19 vaccinations, get an annual flu shot when it becomes available, stay home when you feel sick, wash your hands often and cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and consider wearing a mask, particularly if you are at high risk."
Moore noted that COVID-19 activity is once again rising with new variants circulating and that other seasonal respiratory illnesses are expected early this year.
"These small decisions [to follow public health recommendations] are proven to have a big impact on keeping everyone in our communities safe and healthy."