TORONTO — Ontario is rolling out its fall respiratory illness immunization campaign, with flu and COVID-19 vaccines becoming available first to high-risk groups in late September before expanding to the general public on October 26.
The provincial program, announced September 25, also includes expanded access to respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, immunization for eligible older adults, infants, young children and pregnant women. The measures are aimed at reducing serious illness and pressure on Ontario’s health-care system during the respiratory virus season.
“As respiratory illness season approaches, our government is continuing to take action to protect our families and communities,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “Working with our health-care partners, we are ensuring everyone has timely and convenient access to flu, COVID-19 and RSV immunizations close to home.”
High-Risk Groups Get Earlier Access to Flu and COVID-19 Vaccines
Beginning the week of September 28, 2026, the initial supply of flu and COVID-19 vaccines will be available to priority groups who live, work or study in Ontario.
Those groups include hospitalized patients and hospital staff, residents and employees of long-term care homes, retirement homes and other congregate settings, as well as people aged 65 and older.
Starting October 26, free flu and COVID-19 immunizations will become available to the general public through participating pharmacies, public health units and participating physician and nurse practitioner offices.
“With respiratory illness season approaching, I encourage our most vulnerable to take steps to protect themselves and their loved ones,” said Dr. Kieran Moore, Chief Medical Officer of Health. “Staying up to date on recommended immunizations remains one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of serious illness, helping to keep our communities healthy, maximizing the impact of our public health programs and delivering greater value for Ontarians.”
Ontario Expands RSV Prevention Program
Ontario is also widening its adult RSV prevention program. Residents aged 60 to 74 who meet specified high-risk criteria or live in certain higher-risk settings are eligible for RSV vaccination, along with all Ontarians aged 75 and older.
Eligible residents can receive the Abrysvo® or Arexvy RSV vaccines at any point during the year.
RSV Protection Extended to Infants and Pregnant Women
Beginning October 1, eligible newborns and infants up to eight months old entering their first RSV season can receive Beyfortus® immunization. High-risk children up to 24 months old entering their second RSV season are also eligible.
Pregnant women have the option of receiving the Abrysvo® RSV vaccine through an obstetrician, midwife or primary care provider to help provide protection to their infant at birth.
The province says infants under six months face some of the greatest risks of severe outcomes from RSV. Children under 24 months with conditions including chronic lung disease, congenital heart disease, weakened immune systems or neuromuscular disorders can also face elevated risks.
Health-Care Providers Highlight Access and Prevention
Ontario’s immunization campaign will rely on pharmacies, family physicians, public health units and other health-care providers to make vaccines available across communities.
“Making vaccines easy and convenient to access is one of the best ways to protect Ontarians during respiratory illness season. Pharmacy professionals across Ontario are proud to support the province’s efforts to keep communities healthy by providing timely access to vaccines, including flu and COVID-19.”
– Justin Bates
Chief Executive Officer, Ontario Pharmacists Association
“Immunization remains one of the most effective tools we have to prevent serious illness and protect vulnerable patients. Family physicians play a vital role in providing vaccines, offering trusted advice and helping patients stay up to date on recommended immunizations. As we enter respiratory illness season, making recommended vaccines more accessible in communities across the province will increase protection and help keep Ontarians healthy.”
– Dr. Eric Wong
President, Ontario College of Family Physicians
Focus on Seniors and Long-Term Care Residents
The campaign also places an early focus on older Ontarians and people living in long-term care and other higher-risk settings.
“Protecting our seniors and people with disabilities from respiratory illnesses is job number one. As flu season approaches, we must help to prevent serious illness and keep our seniors and people with disabilities safe and healthy. I encourage all seniors and those who are eligible to get their flu, COVID-19 and RSV immunizations as soon as they become available.”
– Raymond Cho
Minister for Seniors and Accessibility
“Our fall immunization programs are critical in our government’s commitment to ensuring Ontarians living in long-term care get the quality of care they deserve. Together with effective infection prevention and control practices in long-term care homes, these immunization programs will help protect Ontario by prioritizing the health and well-being of residents, staff and caregivers.”
– Natalia Kusendova-Bashta
Minister of Long-Term Care and Francophone Affairs
Ontario says vaccines included in its routine immunization schedule remain free for people who meet eligibility requirements. Availability can vary by provider, and residents are advised to check vaccine supply before visiting a clinic or pharmacy.
The province is also encouraging families to review their routine immunizations and consult health-care providers or local public health units when uncertain about eligibility or previous vaccinations.