Since Monday, Oct. 26, everyone in Burlington aged six months and older has been eligible for free flu and COVID-19 vaccines under Ontario's fall program, the province says.
The shots are offered at participating pharmacies, public health units, and doctors' and nurse practitioners' offices. Supply may vary, so the province advises calling ahead to make sure your provider has vaccine.
One appointment can cover both. "Getting both the COVID-19 and the flu vaccines at the same time is safe and recommended to avoid multiple trips to a health-care provider," according to the province.
Health Minister Sylvia Jones, who is also deputy premier, made the announcement with Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kieran Moore, who urged Ontarians to get vaccinated as soon as possible.
Ontario's separate program against RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, recommends the adult vaccines Abrysvo or Arexvy for everyone 75 and older. It also covers certain high-risk adults aged 60 to 74, such as people living in long-term care or retirement homes.
Babies younger than eight months who were born on or after April 1, 2026, and high-risk children under 24 months can also get RSV protection. Pregnant women can choose the Abrysvo vaccine to help protect their babies at birth.
RSV usually picks up from Nov. 1 to March 31 and peaks in December.
Not sure which shots you or your family have had or qualify for? Talk to a health-care provider or your local public health unit, or get advice through Health811 online or by calling 811 (TTY 1-866-797-0007).
