Ontario providing free flu, COVID-19 vaccines
By West Northumberland Independent staff
Northumberland County residents ages six months and older can now get their flu and COVID-19 vaccines.
With the intent of protecting families and communities during respiratory illness season, the Province of Ontario announced recently free flu and COVID-19 vaccines are now available for the general population at participating pharmacies, public health unit offices and doctor and nurse practitioner offices across Ontario.
“Getting immunized is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself, your loved ones and our communities,” said Deputy Premier and Minister of Health Sylvia Jones, in a press release. “You can help prevent serious illness, reduce the spread of respiratory viruses and keep Ontario healthy this fall and winter with our free, safe and effective vaccines available across the province.”
In the release, officials state staying up-to-date with routine and recommended immunizations “is the best way to protect yourself and your community this fall and winter.”
Getting both the COVID-19 and the flu vaccines at the same time is safe and recommended to avoid multiple trips to a health-care provider, the province also said.
The adult RSV immunizations Abrysvo or Arexvy are also available and recommended for everyone 75 years of age and older. This builds on the government’s expansion of the RSV prevention programs that also includes certain high-risk adults aged 60 to 74, such as residents of long-term care homes or retirement homes, infants up to eight months of age born on or after April 1, 2026, and high-risk children less than 24 months of age, reads the release.
Pregnant women also have the option to receive the RSV vaccine Abrysvo, which can help provide protection to infants at birth, added officials.
“With flu and COVID-19 vaccines now available across the province for everyone, there is no better time to get protected,” said Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kieran Moore. “Vaccination helps reduce the risk of severe illness and hospitalization, particularly for older adults and other vulnerable populations.
“I encourage Ontarians to get vaccinated as soon as possible to help keep themselves and their loved ones healthy this season.”
Vaccines in Ontario’s routine immunization schedule are provided free-of-charge if the eligibility criteria is met. The province recommends residents who are unsure about which immunizations they and/or their loved ones require, have received, or are eligible for, speak with their health-care provider or contact their public health unit.
It’s also recommended that people contact their health-care provider about co-administration of flu and COVID-19 vaccines and RSV immunization.
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 are also at increased risk of severe outcomes from RSV, especially those with certain chronic health conditions.
In addition to immunization, the province recommends residents wash their hands often, cover their mouth when coughing and sneezing, clean surfaces and shared items regularly, and stay at home when sick.
Availability of immunizations may vary across providers. Call ahead to ensure health-care providers have a supply available.
People can also 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.
Comments