Here’s when COVID-19 and flu vaccines will be available in Ontario this fall

Melissa Roberts, left, administers a flu vaccine to Kelly Ternes at the Okaloosa County Health Department in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, Thursday Dec. 20, 2012. (Northwest Florida Daily News, Nick Tomecek)

With children back in school and cooler weather not far away, Ontario has announced it’s immunization schedule for COVID-19 and flu vaccines this fall season.

“As we head into respiratory illness season, our government is using every tool in our toolbox to protect our communities, families and our most vulnerable,” Health Minister Sylvia Jones said in a statement. “Working with our health-care partners, we are making sure flu, COVID-19 and RSV immunizations are available close to home, where and when they are needed.”

The province says vaccines will be released to Ontarians in phases, first starting with those who are at high-risk of contracting a virus, like hospitalized patients, hospital staff, long-term care home residents and those who are at least 65 years old. For this group, COVID-19 vaccines will be available starting the week of Sept. 22 with flu vaccines becoming available the following week.

Ontarians between the ages of 60 and 74, who meet certain high-risk criteria, and those who are older can receive RSV vaccines like Abrysvo or Arexvy as part of the province’s recent expansion to protect more adults from the virus.

After this group, eligible newborns and infants up to eight months old in their first RSV season, as well as high-risk children up to 24 months old in their second season can start to receive their vaccines starting Oct. 1.

Pregnant people can also start to receive the RSV vaccine at this time, Ontario says, which can help protect infants at birth.

The rest of Ontario can then get their free flu and COVID-19 vaccines starting Oct. 27, which will be available at participating pharmacies, doctor’s offices and some public health units.

“As we head into the fall, it’s important that we take simple, effective steps to stay healthy,” Dr. Kieran Moore, the province’s chief medical officer of health said. “Staying up-to-date on seasonal vaccines is significant to protect yourself, your family and loved ones and is a cornerstone of our preparedness this respiratory season.”

Under the recommendations of the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI), Ontarians should receive the most recent formulation of the COVID-19 vaccine in the fall “as it is expected to provide a better immune response against currently circulating COVID-19 strains.”

For more information about immunizations this fall, Ontarians can visit the province’s website.