MANITOULIN—With only two hospitals and a single point of entry connecting Manitoulin to the mainland, the Island remains acutely vulnerable to seasonal viruses that disproportionately affect elders, immunocompromised residents, and those living in congregate care. Now, as cases of respiratory illness continue to circulate across Northern Ontario, Public Health Sudbury and Districts (PHSD) is urging providers to prioritize vaccinations for those most at risk.
In a notice issued April 14, PHSD confirmed that the adult RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) vaccination program will continue through the spring, while the program for infants and high-risk children has now concluded for the season.
The province’s RSV prevention strategy, introduced in 2023 and expanded for 2024–2025, focuses on older adults and people with chronic or immunocompromising conditions. In particular, the vaccine is being made available to those over age 60 who are: Residents of long-term care or elder lodges; patients in hospital receiving alternate level of care; individuals undergoing dialysis; transplant recipients; people experiencing homelessness; First Nations, Inuit, or Métis individuals.
While RSV is often dismissed as a childhood illness, it can pose serious health risks to older adults, especially in communities like Manitoulin where healthcare capacity is limited and travel to off-Island care can be a barrier.
RSV, a contagious virus that affects the lungs and breathing passages, can cause severe infections such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia. The vaccine offers a vital layer of protection for those most likely to be hospitalized by the illness.
Meanwhile, COVID-19 vaccinations are also being made available for high-risk individuals between April and June 2025, as part of Ontario’s ongoing seasonal immunization campaign. Those eligible for an additional dose must have completed a primary COVID-19 series and be at least six months past their last dose, though the province permits administration as early as three months if clinically indicated.
This layered approach to vaccination—targeting both RSV and COVID-19—is seen as critical in shielding Manitoulin’s elders, patients in care homes, and others for whom even mild respiratory illnesses can escalate quickly.
Residents are encouraged to contact their local pharmacy or health care provider to verify eligibility and schedule appointments.
For complete eligibility details, consult the Ontario Ministry of Health’s fact sheet on the 2024/2025 COVID-19 Vaccine Program.
