Algoma Public Health urges residents to get immunized against respiratory illnesses this fall

Mon, Oct 05, 2026

Algoma Public Health (APH) is encouraging all residents who are eligible to protect themselves and their loved ones this fall by getting immunized against influenza (flu), COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). 

“Every year we see an increase in respiratory infections across Algoma as we head into fall and winter,” said Dr. Tuinema, Associate Medical Officer of Health at APH. “Getting both seasonal flu and COVID-19 vaccines every fall not only protects your own health, but it helps protect others and also helps reduce strain on our local health system.” 

Influenza and COVID-19 Vaccines 

The initial supply of vaccines for flu and COVID-19 will be available for high-risk and priority groups who live, work or study in Ontario, starting October 15, 2026. This includes: 

• Hospitalized patients
• Hospital staff
• Residents and staff in long-term care homes, retirement homes and other congregate living settings
• Individuals aged 65 years and older 
  
  

Starting October 26, free flu and COVID-19 vaccines will be available to everyone over the age of 6 months at participating doctor and nurse practitioner offices, and through all APH offices.  

These vaccines will also be available at participating pharmacies. Visit Ontario’s vaccine location finder to find a participating pharmacy.  

Note: Pharmacies are authorized to administer COVID-19 vaccine to children over the age of 6 months, and flu vaccine to children over 2 years of age, but not all pharmacies administer vaccines to children who are less than 5 years of age. Please contact the pharmacy directly to confirm vaccine availability and appointment options.  

RSV Immunization 

As part of the province’s recent expansion to the adult RSV prevention program, Ontario residents aged 60 to 74 who meet certain high-risk criteria, or live in specific higher-risk settings, as well as everyone who is 75 or older, are also eligible to receive a free RSV vaccine, (Abrysvo® or Arexvy®) at any time during the year. 

• 75 or older: All are eligible 
  
  

Adults aged 60 to 74 years are eligible if they: 

• live in a long-term care home, Elder Care Lodge, retirement home, or similar setting;
• are receiving alternate level of care (ALC), complex continuing care, or transitional care in hospital;
• have received a hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) within the past 2 years or with ongoing immunosuppression;
• are on home oxygen or require chronic oxygen therapy
• have glomerulonephritis and are moderately to severely immunocompromised;
• receive hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis;
• have received a solid organ transplant;
• are experiencing homelessness; or
• identify as First Nations, Inuit, or Métis. 
  
  

Additionally, starting October 1, all newborns and infants up to eight months of age, and high-risk children up to 24 months of age can receive the Beyfortus® immunization.  

Individuals who are pregnant also have the option to receive the RSV vaccine, Abrysvo®, from an obstetrician, midwife, primary care provider or at APH to help protect their infant at birth. 

"Vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of severe illness from flu, COVID-19, and RSV," said Candice Carter, Manager of Immunization at APH. "Combined with everyday prevention measures, such as good hand hygiene and staying home when ill, vaccination helps keep our community healthier throughout the respiratory virus season." 

All three vaccines can be administered during the same appointment, making it easier to stay protected throughout the respiratory virus season. 

How to book a vaccine appointment at APH 

Appointments for APH community clinics open on Thursday, October 8 at 9:00 a.m. Clinics in Sault Ste. Marie and Blind River can be booked online: book an appointment online. 

By Phone: (Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.) 

• Blind River: 705-356-2551
• Sault Ste. Marie: 705-541-7370 or toll-free 1-888-440-3730 
  
  

For Elliot Lake and Wawa, please contact your local public health office to book an appointment.  

• Elliot Lake: 705-848-2314   
• Wawa: 705-856-7208   

Other ways to protect yourself this fall 

Along with vaccination, simple everyday habits can help reduce the spread of respiratory viruses this fall: 

• Stay home when you’re sick.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water.
• Use hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or your sleeve.
• Consider wearing a mask in crowded or shared enclosed indoor spaces. 
  
  

For more information on flu, COVID-19, and RSV, visit APH’s fall respiratory illness page.  

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