TPH encourages residents to get vaccinated during fall 

eAwazMedicine

Ontario – With cooler weather coming in, Toronto Public Health (TPH) encourages eligible residents to get immunized against respiratory infections that include COVID-19, influenza (flu) and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).

Initial doses of the updated COVID-19 (KP.2) vaccine are now available for eligible individuals who are at an increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection or severe illness due to COVID-19. Eligible Torontonians include:

  • Adults 65 years of age or older
  • Children six months to four years of age
  • Residents and staff of long-term care homes and other congregate living settings (e.g., chronic care facilities, retirement homes)
  • Individuals who have underlying medical conditions that place them at higher risk of severe COVID-19 including children with complex health needs
  • Pregnant individuals
  • Individuals from First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities
  • Members of racialized and other equity-deserving communities
  • Healthcare workers and first responders.

Updated COVID-19 and flu vaccines will be available beginning Monday, October 28 for all residents aged six months and older who live, work or go to school in Ontario. Vaccines are available at many locations including participating primary healthcare providers, walk-in clinics and participating pharmacies. Individuals may confirm their eligibility by visiting the Ministry of Health’s webpage (opens in new window).

TPH will not be administering the updated COVID-19 (KP.2) and flu vaccines directly to the general public. With the ending of provincial funding for the mass immunization clinics last year, TPH will focus on vaccinating children four years of age and younger against COVID-19 and the flu and residents in select high-risk settings. Residents can visit TPH’s webpage (opens in new window) to book an appointment for their eligible child.

Vaccination is an effective way to protect residents, preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death, especially for high-risk individuals. In addition, Toronto residents can reduce the spread of respiratory infections by staying home when sick, practicing good hand hygiene, choosing well-ventilated spaces and wearing a well-fitted mask in crowded indoor areas.