TORONTO — Ontario residents can now access free flu and COVID-19 vaccines across the province as the government moves to strengthen public health protections ahead of respiratory illness season.
Beginning this week, anyone six months of age and older can receive their flu and COVID-19 immunizations at participating pharmacies, public health units, and doctors’ or nurse practitioners’ offices. The initiative is part of a broader effort to reduce hospitalizations and protect vulnerable populations during the fall and winter months.
“Getting immunized is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself, your loved ones and our communities,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “As we head into respiratory illness season, I encourage everyone to stay up to date with their flu and COVID-19 vaccines, which are free, safe, effective and available across the province.”
Health officials recommend that Ontarians receive both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines simultaneously, noting that co-administration is safe and helps avoid multiple trips to health-care providers.
Expanded Protection Against Respiratory Viruses
In addition to the flu and COVID-19 vaccines, Ontario is expanding access to free respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) immunizations. Adults aged 75 and older can now receive Abrysvo® or Arexvy, while the province continues to offer free protection for high-risk adults aged 60 and above, including those living in long-term care or retirement homes.
Infants under eight months born on or after April 1 and high-risk children under 24 months also remain eligible for RSV immunization. Pregnant women can receive Abrysvo® to help protect their newborns at birth, while eligible infants can alternatively receive the Beyfortus® immunization.
“Immunization remains one of the most powerful tools in our toolbox to prevent serious illness and hospitalizations,” said Dr. Kieran Moore, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health. “Getting your flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines, if eligible, this fall is safe, convenient, and helps protect our most vulnerable populations. I encourage everyone to take advantage of the free vaccines available across the province.”
Building on the Province’s “Your Health” Plan
The vaccine rollout is part of Ontario’s Your Health: A Plan for Connected and Convenient Care, which aims to provide residents with improved access to preventive health services and reduce strain on hospitals.
Through this plan, the Ministry of Health continues to promote annual flu and COVID-19 immunizations each fall to match circulating strains and strengthen immunity across communities. Immunizations are provided free of charge to all eligible individuals under Ontario’s routine vaccination schedule.
Residents uncertain about their immunization status are encouraged to consult their health-care provider or local public health unit for guidance.
Local and Sector Support
The initiative has received support from multiple health and community leaders who emphasize the importance of vaccination in protecting the province’s most vulnerable populations.
“Staying up-to-date with routine and recommended immunizations helps protect the health and safety of our long-term care staff, residents and their caregivers,” said Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, Minister of Long-Term Care. “Our government’s free immunization programs, combined with effective infection and prevention control practices in our long-term care homes, help protect residents so they can get the quality of care and quality of life they need and deserve.”
“I encourage all seniors to get their COVID-19 and flu vaccines,” added Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility. “Programs like this help seniors to live happy, healthy and independent lives in our communities.”
The Ontario Pharmacists Association said community pharmacies will continue to play a key role in ensuring access and convenience. “As another respiratory illness season begins, Ontario pharmacists are proud to help make it simple and convenient for people across the province to get their flu and COVID-19 vaccines,” said Justin Bates, CEO of the association. “As trusted and accessible health-care providers, pharmacists are proud to continue to support Ontario’s vaccination efforts by making it easy for people to get protected close to home.”
Health professionals also voiced their endorsement. “Ontario’s doctors strongly encourage everyone to get their flu and COVID-19 vaccines this season,” said Dr. Zainab Abdurrahman, President of the Ontario Medical Association. “These vaccines are safe, effective, and one of the best ways to protect the most vulnerable members of our communities. Getting vaccinated now helps prevent serious disease later and eases pressure on our health-care system during respiratory illness season.”
Deepy Sur, CEO of the Ontario College of Family Physicians, added: “Ontario’s family physicians are here not just to treat illness, but to prevent it. Staying up to date on your flu and COVID-19 vaccines helps protect everyone. If you have questions about seasonal or routine vaccinations, family physicians are here to help guide your choices. Together, we can keep our families and communities healthy and out of hospitals.”
Access and Availability
While most pharmacies offer COVID-19 and flu vaccinations, children under two years old must receive their flu shot through a public health unit or primary care provider. Availability may vary by location, and residents are encouraged to call ahead to confirm supply.
For 24-hour health information and vaccination guidance, Ontarians can visit Health811 online or call 811 (TTY: 1-866-797-0007).
