Free vaccination is now open! Ontario to provide flu and new COVID-19 vaccines starting this week
According to the announcement from the Ontario government, starting from Monday, October 28th, Ontario residents can receive free flu vaccines and the new COVID-19 vaccine at local pharmacies, public health departments, and primary healthcare providers.
The government stated that keeping vaccination updated is still the best way for people to stay safe and healthy during the respiratory disease season and avoid unnecessary medical treatment.
This autumn, people aged six months and above can receive the new version of the COVID-19 vaccine. The new version of the vaccine (KP. 2 formula) provides the best protection against the currently prevalent COVID-19 variant.
Starting from early October, health officials strongly recommend that high-risk populations who have been vaccinated or have not been vaccinated receive the COVID-19 vaccine to reduce the risk of severe illness caused by COVID-19 infection. The initial vaccine dosage will be given priority to high-risk and priority populations.
Starting from Monday, October 28th, it is recommended that all individuals aged six months and above receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
Image source: ontario.ca
Residents can receive COVID-19 vaccines at pharmacies, healthcare providers, or walk-in medical clinics.
Pharmacies in multiple supermarkets such as Costco, Loblaw, Nofrills, etc. can receive vaccinations. For more information, please refer to the Covid-19 vaccination sites on the Ontario government website.
Image source: ontario.ca
The government states that you can receive the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as receiving the flu vaccine or other routine vaccines, or at any time before or after vaccination. Most pharmacies that provide vaccines will offer both COVID-19 and influenza vaccines simultaneously. Please call the pharmacy to inquire if an appointment is required before going.
For COVID-19 vaccination for children aged 6 months to 5 years, the services provided by each pharmacy may vary. Please contact the pharmacy or inquire about the vaccination location for the updated COVID-19 vaccine before making an appointment. Influenza vaccines for children aged 6 months to 2 years old must be provided by doctors, practicing nurses, or local public health departments. Children under 2 years old cannot receive influenza vaccines in pharmacies.
Starting from November 4th, Beyfortus respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) immunization doses will be provided to infants under 24 months of age and high-risk children. Ontario has expanded its RSV immunization program, allowing all babies born in 2024 to receive free Beyfortus immunization services through public health departments, healthcare providers, and hospitals for babies born during the 2024/25 respiratory disease season. This will help over 200000 households. Pregnant women can also choose to receive a dose of Abrysvo to provide protection for their babies from birth to six months.
Image source: Yale medicine
The provincial government has also expanded the RSV prevention program for high-risk elderly people, and has prepared vaccine doses for all individuals aged 60 and above residing in long-term care homes, elderly care centers, and all retirement homes. Ontario is the first province in Canada to provide publicly funded RSV immunization programs for the elderly, and is also one of the first regions in the world to implement such programs.
Source link:
https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1005239/free-flu-shot-and-new-covid-19-vaccines-now-available-across-ontario