NEWS RELEASE
MINISTRY OF HEALTH
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Starting today, Ontarians can receive their free flu shot and the new, updated COVID-19 vaccine at local pharmacies, public health units and primary care providers across the province. Staying up to date on vaccinations continues to be the best way for people to stay safe and healthy this respiratory illness season and avoid unnecessary visits to the hospital.
“Our government is taking steps to ensure Ontarians of all ages have the tools they need to keep themselves and their loved ones safe and healthy,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “By expanding the number of children eligible under the RSV program and ensuring people have access to convenient, publicly funded flu and COVID-19 vaccines, our government is making it easier for families to access care and protection this respiratory illness season.”
The flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine are available at participating pharmacies, local public health units, and primary care providers, and it is safe and convenient to receive both vaccines at the same time. All Ontarians six months and older can receive their next COVID-19 dose if it has been a recommended six months since their last dose or confirmed COVID-19 infection. Ontarians are encouraged to speak with a health care professional to help determine their appropriate vaccination schedule.
Starting November 4, doses of the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) immunization, Beyfortus®, will also be available for infants and high-risk children up to 24 months. The province’s expanded RSV immunization program, available to all babies born in 2024, will help over 200,000 families access the Beyfortus® immunization for free through their public health unit, health care provider, as well as within hospital settings for infants born during the 2024/25 respiratory illness season. Pregnant women also have the option of receiving a single dose of Abrysvo®, to provide protection for their infant from birth to six months.
The province has also expanded the high-risk older adult RSV prevention program and has already received doses for all those 60 years of age and older living in long-term care homes, Elder Care Lodges and all retirement homes. Ontario is the first in Canada to have a publicly funded older adult RSV program and is one of the first in the world.
“Ontario’s RSV programs will play a pivotal role in protecting the babies, young children and older adults who are most susceptible to severe outcomes caused by the virus, including serious lung infections and hospitalization,” said Dr. Kieran Moore, Chief Medical Officer of Health. “To be well-protected this respiratory illness season, I also encourage everyone to get their COVID-19 and flu vaccinations, especially those aged 65 and older, as well as those who are at higher risk for severe outcomes.”
Through Your Health: A Plan for Connected and Convenient Care, the Ontario government is providing people with the tools they need to stay safe and healthy throughout respiratory illness season.
Quick Facts
- The risk of severe outcomes from RSV infection is highest among those over the age of 60, infants under six months of age and children under 24 months of age with chronic conditions such as chronic lung disease, congenital heart disease, compromised immune systems, or neuromuscular disorders.
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that causes cold symptoms in many infants and young children. Most children will experience at least one RSV infection by the age of two.
- As part of the Ontario government’s historic $330 million investment in pediatric care, new rapid access clinics for children and youth were added at health care provider settings to provide families with faster and easier access to care during respiratory illness season.
- In alignment with the National Advisory Committee on Immunization, Beyfortus® is the preferred product to protect infants. Receiving both Abrysvo® and Beyfortus® is not expected to provide additional benefits.
- Vaccines in Ontario’s routine immunization schedule are provided free of charge if you meet the eligibility criteria. If you are unsure about which immunizations you or your family have received or are eligible for, talk to your health care provider or public health unit.
- To reduce the risk of spreading illness, individuals are advised to wash their hands often, cover their mouths when they cough or sneeze, clean surfaces and shared items regularly, and stay at home when sick.
- 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.
Quotes
"Let’s stay up to date on our vaccines. That is why it is so important for all of our seniors, older adults and everyone living in retirement homes to roll up their sleeves and get their vaccines. Getting our flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines will go a long way to keeping everyone safe, healthy and avoid visits to the hospital this fall or winter."
- Raymond Cho
Ontario’s Minister for Seniors and Accessibility
"Parents and caregivers across Ontario have the opportunity to protect infants and all newborns from RSV with Beyfortus® (nirsevimab). Sanofi is proud to partner with the Government of Ontario to deliver innovative solutions that help safeguard the most vulnerable and help alleviate strain on the healthcare system during respiratory illness season."
- Delphine Lansac
General Manager, Vaccines, Sanofi Canada
"We applaud the efforts of the Ontario government in promoting vaccination and prioritizing the health and wellness of Ontarians during the fall and winter season when respiratory illnesses are more common. Vaccination plays an important role in preventing illness from COVID-19 and RSV and reducing the burden on our healthcare system. Our partners have our continued commitment to ensuring that our vaccines are readily available and accessible to all eligible individuals in Ontario."
- Ranjita Banerjee
Primary Care Lead, Pfizer Canada
"Ontario pharmacists are proud to offer some of the most accessible healthcare services in the province. With extended hours and close to 4,000 participating locations across Ontario, we are proud to play a key role in ensuring Ontarians have access to flu and COVID-19 shots at their convenience. This season, we’re here to support our communities by ensuring that flu and COVID-19 vaccines are within reach for everyone, helping to keep Ontarians safe and reduce the spread of illness."
- Justin Bates
CEO, Ontario Pharmacists Association
"By expanding access to flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines at pharmacies, the government is making essential immunizations more accessible and convenient for Ontarians and is empowering pharmacy professionals to continue to play a key role in safeguarding public health this season."
- Sherif Guorgui
Co-Chief Executive Officer, OnPharm United
"CSL Seqirus applauds Ontario’s proactive approach to protecting Ontarians this respiratory illness season as influenza is among the 10 leading causes of death in Canada. We are proud to partner with the Ontario government to offer Flucelvax® Quad, a cell-based influenza vaccine for the general population, as well as Fluad® for Ontario’s seniors to help protect themselves from flu, while reducing the burden on the healthcare system."
- Gillian Stafford
CSL Seqirus Country Head Commercial Operations, Canada
"GSK recognizes Ontario's leadership in expanding its first-in-Canada RSV program for older adults to include additional vulnerable populations this fall and winter. We are pleased that AREXVY remains among the vaccines being offered this season, and that older Ontarians will continue to benefit from the protection offered by RSV vaccines."
- Sridhar Venkatesh
President and General Manager, GSK Canada Commercial
"This preventative treatment will help protect infants, kids and higher risk adults from severe outcomes caused by RSV, which could have a significant effect in reducing hospitalizations this respiratory season. Additionally, it's important for all health care professionals to do all they can to stay healthy so we can continue to serve our patients and families across the province."
- Dr. Chris Simpson
Executive Vice-President, Acute and Hospital-Based Care, and Chief Medical Executive Ontario Health
Additional Resources
- To learn more about the flu shot, visit Ontario.ca/flu
- To learn more about COVID-19, visit Ontario.ca/COVID-19
- Learn about eligibility for COVID-19 antiviral treatment
- To learn more about Respiratory Syncytial Virus, visit Ontario.ca/rsv
- Your Health: A Plan for Connected and Convenient Care
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