As respiratory illness season approaches, your healthcare team encourages everyone to stay up to date with vaccinations. Getting vaccinated as soon as you are eligible helps protect not only yourself but also those who are most vulnerable, such as infants under six months or people at higher risk of serious illness.
Why Immunization Matters
This year, multiple viruses are circulating in Ontario communities, including influenza (flu), COVID-19, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). Vaccination is one of the best ways to prevent serious illness, reduce the spread of infection, and protect the health of our entire communities.
Who is Most at Risk
Some people are more vulnerable to infection or serious complications, including hospitalization. Populations generally at increased risk include:
- Infants and children under five, with developing immune systems and smaller airways
- Older adults, who may have weaker immune systems or underlying health conditions
- Residents of congregate living settings such as long-term care or retirement homes
- Pregnant people, especially later in pregnancy
- People with chronic health conditions such as asthma, heart disease, diabetes, or who are immunocompromised
Flu and COVID-19 Vaccines
Getting your annual flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine is the best way to remain protected against severe outcomes, including hospitalization and death. Both vaccines are recommended for everyone six months of age and older and are:
- Safe for children, pregnant or breastfeeding people
- Free for all residents, workers, and students in Ontario
- Proven to reduce doctor visits and hospitalizations
Certain high-risk populations are recommended to receive an additional COVID-19 dose in the spring.
RSV Vaccines
RSV vaccination helps prevent serious outcomes such as hospitalization. Free RSV immunization is available in Ontario for:
- Infants up to eight months in their first RSV season (born on or after April 1, 2025)
- Certain high-risk children up to 24 months in their second RSV season
- High-risk adults aged 60-74 who meet criteria such as living in long-term care, receiving alternate level of care in hospital, having specific medical conditions, being transplant recipients, or experiencing homelessness
- All adults aged 75 and older
Only one RSV dose is recommended this season, as protection can last multiple years. The RSV vaccine can be given at the same time as flu or COVID-19 vaccines.
Adults 60 and older who do not qualify for publicly funded protection can access the vaccine with a prescription.
When and Where to Get Vaccinated
Community flu vaccination clinics will be hosted by the Marathon Family Health Team (MFHT) and North of Superior Healthcare Group (NOSH) from October 27 to November 13 at the MFHT clinic, with appointments available between 9:00 am and 4:30 pm, depending on the day. MFHT is also currently providing RSV vaccines for eligible infants and high-risk older adults.
To book an appointment: email appointments@mfht.org or call: 807-229-3243.
Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are also available at local pharmacies and through the public health office.
How to Help Prevent the Spread of Illness
In addition to vaccination, you can help reduce the spread of respiratory viruses by practicing good hand hygiene, avoiding touching your face, covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, cleaning commonly touched surfaces such as doorknobs and counters, and wearing a mask when you are sick. It is also important to stay home when unwell. Stay home at least 24 hours after a fever has ended without the use of fever-reducing medication, and for gastrointestinal illnesses such as vomiting or diarrhea, 48 hours after symptoms stop.
If you have questions about vaccine eligibility or vaccines in general, contact the MFHT at 807-229-3243 to speak with a healthcare provider.
For more information, visit the Government of Ontario website: Protection Against Respiratory Illnesses.
