Algoma Public Health

Respiratory Illness Vaccines (Flu, COVID-19 & RSV)

Respiratory illness season is here: Protect yourself and your loved ones by getting vaccinated this fall!

Vaccination is one of the strongest defenses we have to protect our community from serious illness. By getting vaccinated you are actively preventing the spread of potentially life-threatening illnesses and safeguarding those at higher risk.

Book a vaccine appointment

By phone: 705-541-7370 or toll-free 1-888-440-3730 (Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.)
Online: Book a appointment online

Influenza Vaccine

Ontario’s Universal Influenza Immunization Program (UIIP) offers free influenza vaccine each year for individuals six months of age and older who live, work, or go to school in Ontario. The influenza vaccine is the best defence against getting and spreading the influenza virus, helping to save lives and reduce the strain on our health care system.

All individuals in the COVID-19 and UIIP high-risk and priority groups are eligible for both vaccines as soon as available. Everyone who is eligible for COVID-19 early vaccination (prior to general population) is also eligible for early influenza vaccination.

High-Risk Populations for Early Immunization

The following individuals are at increased risk of influenza-related complications or are more likely to require hospitalization and should receive the influenza vaccine as soon as it becomes available in the fall:

Residents in congregate living settings (e.g. chronic care facilities, long-term care homes, retirement homes)
Adults 65 years of age and older
All pregnant individuals
All children 6 months to 4 years of age
Individuals in or from First Nations, Métis or Inuit communities
Individuals 6 months of age and older with the following underlying health conditions:
- Cardiac or pulmonary disorders
- Diabetes mellitus or other metabolic disease
- Cancer
- Conditions or medication which compromise the immune system
- Renal disease
- Anemia or hemoglobinopathy
- Neurologic or neurodevelopment conditions
- Class 3 obesity (body mass index of 40 or more)
- Children and adolescents (6 months to 18 years) undergoing treatment with acetylsalicylic acid for long periods

To optimize co-administration with COVID-19 vaccine, the following individuals may receive influenza vaccine as soon as it becomes available in the fall:

Staff and care providers in congregate living settings (e.g. chronic care facilities, long-term care homes, retirement homes)
Health care workers
First responders
Members of underserved communities
Individuals whose occupational or recreational activities increase their risk of exposure to avian influenza A viruses (Individuals with significant exposure to birds or mammals are more likely to have significant exposure to influenza A(H5N1) through interactions with birds or mammals)

All individuals (6 months of age and older without contraindications) who do not belong to the high-risk or priority populations described above may receive the influenza vaccine starting on October 27, 2025.

Where Can I Get a Flu Shot?

Participating pharmacies
- Individuals 2 years of age and older
Pharmacies that offer COVID-19 vaccines also offer flu vaccines. Use the COVID-19 pharmacy locator to find a pharmacy near you.
Primary healthcare providers (Family Doctor or Nurse Practitioner)
- Individuals 6 months of age and older.
Algoma Public Health
- Individuals 6 months of age and older without a primary healthcare provider
- Book an appointment at Algoma Public Health (link will be updated the week of October 6, 2025)

I'm Healthy, Why Should I Get the Flu Shot?

Here are a few important reasons:

Improves your chances of staying healthy during the flu season.
Reduces the chance your friends or family will get sick.
The virus changes every year. Getting this year’s shot gives you the best protection.
Reduces your chances of missing time from work or special events.
The flu virus lives on surfaces you touch.

Are you a health care or emergency worker?

You have a high risk of passing the virus to vulnerable people, even if you don’t feel sick.
Get the flu shot to protect yourself, your coworkers, and those you serve in our community.

Here are some basic facts about the flu vaccine:

It takes about two weeks for the flu vaccine to build protection in your body.
The flu vaccine does not cause the flu.
Even if you get the flu after receiving vaccine, the symptoms tend to be milder.
The vaccine does not protect against other illnesses that have symptoms like influenza.
The flu vaccine is safe and effective.

What’s the big deal about the flu?

Even very healthy people can become quite ill, missing up to 5-7 days of work.

You could pass the virus to someone who is at high risk for getting very sick with the flu, or for a complication of the flu like pneumonia, such as a pregnant individual, a baby, someone with an underlying health condition, or an older relative.

Ways to Stay Healthy During the Flu Season

Get your flu shot. It will protect you, as well as your family and friends.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 15 seconds or a hand sanitizer (gel or wipes) with at least 70% alcohol.
Avoid contact with people who are sick with the flu.
Clean (and disinfect) surfaces often (for example, countertops, door handles, keyboards and telephones). Viruses can live on surfaces for 24 to 48 hours.
Don't touch your face as the flu virus can enter your body through your eyes, nose or mouth.

What if you get the flu?

If you get the flu, take these steps to speed up your recovery and to prevent sharing the "bug" with others:

Stay home from work or school when you are sick.
Keep surfaces clean.
Sneeze or cough into a tissue or upper sleeve, not your hands.
Dispose of tissues immediately after use.
Wash your hands often.
Get lots of rest.
Speak to your doctor, nurse practitioner or pharmacist about over-the-counter medications that can help you feel better (such as basic pain or fever relievers), but do not give acetylsalicylic. acid (ASA or Aspirin®) to anyone under 18 years old.
Treat muscle pain using a hot water bottle or heating pad - apply heat for short periods of time.
Take a warm bath.
Gargle with a glass of warm salt water or suck on hard candy or lozenges.
Use spray or saline drops for a stuffy nose.
Avoid alcohol, caffeine and tobacco.
Drink plenty of fluids.
Don't be a visitor in a hospital, or a long-term care facility.
Avoid close contact with infants, pregnant women, and people over the age of 65, and those with chronic health problems. Anyone in these groups can catch the flu easily.

Call your doctor or nurse practitioner if:

You don't start to feel better after a few days.
Your symptoms get worse.
You are in a high-risk group and develop flu symptoms.

COVID-19 vaccine

Ontario’s COVID-19 vaccine program has transitioned to an annual program which aligns with the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommendations where individuals receive an updated COVID-19 vaccine annually. An annual updated COVID-19 vaccine will boost the immune response and provide an updated vaccine to protect against circulating strain.

The COVID-19 vaccine is available free of charge to all individuals 6 months of age and older in Ontario at no cost, even if you do not have an Ontario health card.

Eligible populations – Fall 2025

The following individuals are at increased risk of COVID-19 disease and should receive COVID-19 vaccine dose(s) as soon as it becomes available in the fall:

Adults aged 65 and older
Any resident, regardless of age, in a long-term care home or other congregate living settings
Individuals 6 months of age and older who are moderately to severely immunocompromised (due to specific underlying condition or treatment).
Individuals 55 years and older who identify as First Nations, Inuit, or Metis and their non-Indigenous household members who are 55 years and older OR Individuals from First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities who are aged 54 years and under
Pregnant individuals
Members of underserved communities
Health care workers and other care providers in facilities and community settings

To optimize co-administration with influenza vaccine, the following individuals, may receive COVID-19 vaccine dose(s) as soon as it becomes available in the fall:

Children 6 months to 4 years of age
Individuals with significant exposure to birds or mammals through interactions with birds or mammals (such as poultry, livestock, slaughterhouse and processing plant workers, wildlife officers/researchers, and veterinarians)

All other individuals (6 months of age and older) who do not belong to the populations described above may receive COVID-19 vaccine dose(s) in the fall, starting on October 27, 2025.

** For previously vaccinated individuals who have completed their primary series, a minimum interval of 3 months from the last dose may be used.

Starting a Primary Series?

The number of doses of COVID-19 vaccine may differ based on your age and health status.

Children 6 months to 4 years of age who are NOT immunocompromised:

A primary series of two (2) doses of Moderna Spikevax vaccine, administered at an 8-week interval between doses is recommended for those not previously vaccinated.

Individuals 5 years of age and over who are NOT immunocompromised:

A primary series of one (1) dose of COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for those not previously vaccinated.

Anyone aged 6 months and older who ARE immunocompromised:
It is recommended that you review your series with your health care provider or pharmacist.

Find a COVID-19 vaccination clinic:

5 years and older:
- Find the closest pharmacy to get a COVID-19 vaccine.
  Most pharmacies book appointments ahead of time and some allow walk-ins. Check with the pharmacy before you go.
6 months to 4 years old:
- Some pharmacies and health care providers offer COVID-19 vaccinations for those 6 months to 4 years of age. Check with your health care provider and/or local pharmacies before visiting, as you may need to book ahead of time.

Learn more about Ontario’s COVID-19 vaccination program.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccine

RSV is a common virus that affects the lungs and airways. It can cause cold-like symptoms and serious infections like bronchiolitis, especially in:

Infants and young children
Older adults

In Canada, RSV season usually runs from November to April.

Updated for 2025/2026 Season - RSV Vaccine for High-Risk Older Adults

1) Starting this fall, all individuals aged 75 and older can get the RSV vaccine for free.

2) Individuals aged 60 to 74 are also eligible to receive the vaccine if they are:

Residents of long-term care homes, Elder Care Lodges, or retirement homes including similar settings (e.g., co-located facilities).
Patients in hospital receiving alternate level of care (ALC) including similar settings (for example, complex continuing care, hospital transitional programs)
Patients with glomerulonephritis (GN) who are moderately to severely immunocompromised
Patients receiving hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis
Recipients of solid organ or hematopoietic stem cell transplants
Individuals experiencing homelessness
Individuals who identify as First Nations, Inuit, or Métis.

Please contact your health care provider to receive the vaccine. If you do not have a health care provider, you can book an appointment at Algoma Public Health. (link to book an appointment will be added the week of October 6, 2025)

Note: If you have received the RSV vaccine previously, you do not need another dose right now.

Don't qualify for the free vaccine?
You can still get the RSV vaccine with a prescription from your doctor or nurse practitioner. Some private insurance plans may cover the cost.

Click here for more information on the RSV vaccine

Updated for 2025/2026 Season - RSV Program for Infants and High-Risk Young Children

All babies born on or after April 1st, 2025 and who are less than 8 months of age are eligible to receive RSV immunization (Beyfortus®) this RSV season.

Young children up to 24 months of age in the following groups who are at risk for severe RSV disease are eligible to receive a dose this coming season as they enter their second RSV season:

Chronic lung disease (CLD), including bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), defined by need for ongoing respiratory support and supplemental oxygen therapy at 36 weeks postmenstrual age (gestational age at birth plus chronological age) or discharged home, if earlier.

Note: Children who were < 12 months of age and approved for coverage in the previous RSV season for chronic lung disease and bronchopulmonary dysplasia remain eligible, irrespective of their clinical status in the second RSV season.

Hemodynamically significant cyanotic or acyanotic congenital heart disease (CHD) defined as infants requiring corrective surgery or are on cardiac medication for congestive heart failure or diagnosed with moderate to severe pulmonary hypertension.
Severe immunodeficiency
Down syndrome/Trisomy 21
Cystic fibrosis with recurrent pulmonary exacerbations requiring hospitalization, deteriorating pulmonary function and/or severe growth delay
Neuromuscular disease impairing clearing of respiratory secretions
Severe congenital airway anomalies impairing the clearing of respiratory secretions

There is also an RSV vaccine, Abrysvo™, available for pregnant people (to be given at 32-36 weeks gestation) who will deliver during the RSV season. It is important to note that Beyfortus for newborns is recommended over prenatal vaccination as it is more effective. Pregnant individuals are encouraged to speak with their prenatal care provider about this option.

Click here for more information on RSV prevention for children