SUDBURY DISTRICT—Public Health Sudbury and Districts (PHSD) is pleased to announce that COVID-19 and seasonal influenza vaccines are now available in their 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 in early October, the updated COVID-19 and influenza vaccines will be prioritized for high-risk groups. On October 28, they will be available to everyone. People are encouraged to book their COVID-19 and flu vaccine 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 five causes of death in our community,” said Dr. Mustafa Hirji, acting medical officer of health with PHSD. “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 greatest risk.”
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 Nations, Metis, and Inuit communities, those with underlying medical conditions, and health care workers. The COVID-19 vaccine will be available for everyone six 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.
High-risk populations (Health Canada) will be prioritized for seasonal influenza (flu) vaccine beginning in early October. This includes children six months to four years old, residents and staff of long-term care and retirement homes, adults 65 years of age and older, pregnant individuals, members of First Nations, Metis, and Inuit communities, adults and children with chronic health conditions and health care workers.
Beginning October 28, the vaccine will be available for everyone six months and older.
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 2024-2025 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.
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 six months to 11 years old, and their caregivers; those aged six 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.
