Respiratory illness season has begun; Public Health encourages getting influenza vaccine

As respiratory illness season has begun, Huron Perth Public Health (HPPH) encourages residents to get vaccinated to protect yourself and the community.

Since the end of August, there have been five respiratory illness outbreaks at long-term care homes in Huron and Perth counties.

With respiratory illness season, comes the circulation of COVID-19, influenza (“the flu”), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and other viruses.

According to HPPH, all Ontario residents aged six months and older are eligible to receive influenza and COVID-19 immunizations. Select high-risk groups are eligible to receive RSV immunization.

“The best way to avoid and minimize respiratory illnesses is with immunization,” explained Dr. Miriam Klassen, Medical Officer of Health at HPPH.

“It is very important to stay up to date on the vaccines you are eligible for to protect yourself, your family and the community.”

Klassen explains that influenza and COVID-19 vaccines are being offered in phases, beginning with high-risk and priority groups.

Eligible for early access includes hospitalized patients, healthcare workers, individuals aged 65 and older, and residents of long-term care and congregate settings.

According to HPPH influenza and COVID-19 vaccines are available to the general public at the end of October and encourage residents to contact their healthcare provider or local pharmacy to inquire.

Furthermore, adults aged 75 and older are eligible to receive RSV vaccines, but this program is not available through pharmacies this year. Contact your primary care provider for more information.

Infants and high-risk children can get the RSV monoclonal antibody through birthing centres and healthcare providers.

HPPH will host fall respiratory virus immunization clinics for infants and children who do not have a healthcare provider, specifically RSV monoclonal antibody for infants born on or after April 1, 2025 and aged less than eight months at the time of administration. It also includes COVID-19 and influenza immunization for children aged four years and under.

HPPH will host local respiratory virus immunization clinics for infants and children on November 5 at the Listowel-Wingham and Area Family Health Team office, on November 11 at the HPPH Listowel office, and on November 12 at the HPPH Clinton office.

Clinics are by appointment only. Call 1-888-221-2133 ext. 3558 to make an appointment for your child.

According to HPPH, other ways to protect yourself and your family during respiratory illness season includes washing your hands often, staying home when sick, covering coughs and sneezes, masking when needed, cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces, and improving indoor ventilation.

To learn more about how to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses, including information about immunizations, visit www.hpph.ca/illness