Stay healthy this fall: get your COVID-19 and flu shots for protection

Public Health Sudbury & Districts (Public Health) will follow a phased approach to offer COVID-19 and influenza vaccines locally, in alignment with the Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 Vaccine Guidance (PDF, 454 KB). Beginning next week, an updated COVID-19 vaccine and influenza vaccine will be available for select high-risk individuals. Public Health is planning to offer COVID-19 and flu shots to the general public beginning later in October. Individuals are encouraged to book their COVID-19 vaccine and flu shot appointments as soon are they are eligible.

“Staying up to date on vaccines is especially important heading into fall and winter,” said Dr. Penny Sutcliffe, Medical Officer of Health with Public Health Sudbury & Districts. “As we gather indoors for work and school, it is important that we do as much as we can to reduce the risk of severe illness and hospitalization. Remember, stay home when you feel sick, wash your hands often, and cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. Consider wearing a mask, particularly if you are at higher risk of severe infection,” said Dr. Sutcliffe.

Booking your appointment

Public Health will begin COVID-19 vaccine clinics the week of October 2, 2023, for those at high risk. The latest vaccine provides greater protection against the currently circulating Omicron XBB subvariants. The XBB.1.5-containing mRNA vaccine is Health Canada-approved for people aged 6 months of age and older. Individuals 6 months and older are considered up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines if they have received a fall 2023 COVID-19 dose. For those 6 months to 4 years of age who are not previously immunized, two doses are required.

Throughout October, COVID-19 vaccination in Ontario is prioritized for:

• hospitalized individuals and hospital staff;
• long-term care home and Elder Care Lodge residents, staff, and caregivers; and
• individuals at high-risk for COVID-19 related complications or hospitalizations (Ministry of Health, PDF).

As in previous years, the flu shot will also initially be prioritized for high-risk populations. COVID-19 and influenza vaccination opportunities will be available to those aged 6 months and older, beginning later in October.

Participating pharmacies and primary care providers may also offer the COVID-19 vaccine. The influenza vaccine will be available at many locations such as local pharmacies and health care providers’ offices. Check with your local pharmacy or health care provider about COVID-19 and influenza vaccine availability.

It is strongly recommended that eligible individuals book an appointment for both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines this fall. It is safe and convenient to receive both the COVID-19 and flu shots at the same time.

To book your COVID-19 appointment, visit covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine or call 705.522.9200 (toll-free: 1.866.522.9200). The call centre is open Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. and is closed on statutory holidays. In recognition of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Public Health Sudbury & District offices will be closed Friday, September 29. For those interested in booking a flu shot only, please call 705.522.9200, extension 0. Where possible, Public Health plans to offer opportunities for clients to receive both COVID-19 vaccines and flu vaccines at the same time.

Visit our website for up-to-date clinic details, including the clinic times, locations, and eligible groups at phsd.ca/COVID-19/vaccine-clinics or call Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705.522.9200 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200).