Get vaccinated and stay protected this fall/winter season

Public Health Sudbury & Districts (Public Health) is pleased to announce that COVID-19 and seasonal influenza vaccines are now available in our service area. This vaccination campaign aims to reduce the risk of serious illness from COVID-19, influenza (flu), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) this season.

Beginning early October, the updated COVID-19 and influenza vaccines will be prioritized for high-risk groups (Ministry of Health). On October 28, they will be available to everyone. People are encouraged to book their COVID-19 and flu vaccines appointments through pharmacies and health care providers as soon as they are eligible. It is safe to get both vaccines at the same time.

“Lung infections are one of the top 5 causes of death in our community,” said Dr. Mustafa Hirji, Acting Medical Officer of Health with Public Health Sudbury & Districts. “As we spend more time indoors due to colder weather, and gather with family and friends over several holidays, the viruses that cause cold, flu, and COVID-19 spread easily through the air causing illness. Getting our fall vaccines every year is the most important step we can take to protect family, friends, and loved ones who are at greater risk.”

COVID-19 vaccine

Beginning early October, an updated mRNA COVID-19 vaccine will be available for high-risk groups. This includes residents and staff of long-term care homes and congregate living settings, adults 65 years and older, pregnant individuals, members of First Nation, Métis, and Inuit communities, those with underlying medical conditions, and health care workers.

The COVID-19 vaccine will be available for everyone 6 months and older beginning on October 28. Please visit the Ontario Ministry of Health website to see if you are eligible for a COVID-19 dose this fall.

Seasonal influenza (flu) vaccine

High-risk populations (Health Canada) will be prioritized beginning in early October. This includes children 6 months to 4 years old, residents and staff of long-term care and retirement home, adults 65 years of age and older, pregnant individuals, members of First Nation, Métis, and Inuit communities, adults and children with chronic health conditions, and health care workers.

Beginning October 28, the vaccine will be available for everyone 6 months and older.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine

The Ministry of Health has announced that the RSV program for high-risk older adults will continue this year. Certain adults aged 60 years and over who are at high-risk may be eligible for the vaccine. If you don’t qualify for the publicly funded program, you can purchase the vaccine at a pharmacy. If you received this vaccine last year, you don’t need to get it again.

Starting the 2024-25 season, Ontario has expanded the infant RSV prevention program. Immunization for infants is available, and a vaccine for pregnant individuals is also being offered, based on recommendations from a health care provider.

For more information and to check eligibility for both the high-risk older adult and the infant and high-risk children RSV prevention programs, visit the Ontario Ministry of Health website or speak to your primary care provider.

Booking your appointments

COVID-19 and influenza vaccines are available at many locations throughout the community. You can visit your health care provider, walk-in clinics, and local pharmacies. Please visit the Ontario Ministry of Health website to find participating pharmacies in your area.

This year, Public Health will focus COVID-19 and flu vaccine clinics only to the following groups who have less access through other providers:

• Children aged 6 months to 11 years old, and their caregivers.
• Those aged 6 months and over without a health card.

Please contact your health care provider for more information about RSV immunizations for older adults, infants, and pregnant individuals.

Protecting yourself

The below precautions are always encouraged to protect yourself and others from infection:

• Stay up-to-date with your vaccinations. Receive your COVID-19 and flu vaccines as soon as you are eligible.
• Wear a well-fitted mask in crowded indoor public settings.
• Improve the ventilation in indoor spaces by keeping windows open, when possible, and having heating, ventilation, and air conditional (HVAC) systems to “on” rather than “auto.”
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue and discard used tissues immediately in the garbage, and then wash your hands.
• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly for at least 15 seconds.
• Check the Respiratory Illness Surveillance Dashboard for weekly updates on case, outbreak, and hospital activity related to influenza, COVID-19 and RSV.

For more information about vaccines and keeping yourself safe this respiratory season, please visit our website at phsd.ca or call Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705.522.9200 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200).