As respiratory virus season begins, Toronto Public Health (TPH) is encouraging residents to stay up to date on recommended vaccines for influenza (flu), COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Vaccination helps protect against serious illness and reduces the spread of respiratory viruses.
Vaccination is especially important for people at higher risk of severe illness, including older adults, young children, pregnant individuals, people with underlying health conditions, health-care workers and first responders.
Free flu and COVID-19 vaccines are available for everyone aged six months and older through participating pharmacies and health-care providers across Toronto. TPH is also holding a vaccination clinic for everyone aged six months and older on Thursday, November 5, at North York Civic Centre, where residents can receive flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines.
Additional clinics for young children are available through TPH’s Etobicoke Civic Centre Breastfeeding Clinic and Ancestral Hands Midwives Breastfeeding Clinic in Scarborough. These clinics offer flu and COVID-19 vaccines for children aged six months to four years, as well as RSV immunization for eligible children under 2 years.
More information and appointments are available at www.tphbookings.ca.
Residents can speak with their health-care provider or pharmacist about which vaccines are recommended for them and where they can get vaccinated.
Other ways to help prevent respiratory viruses
In addition to vaccination, residents can help reduce the spread of respiratory viruses by:
More information is available on the City’s webpage: www.toronto.ca/RespiratoryViruses.
Quote:
“As the colder weather starts and we gather indoors more with family and friends, getting vaccinated is one of the best ways to protect ourselves and those we care about. In addition to reducing the risk of serious illness or other health complications, vaccination also eases the pressure on our health-care system. I encourage everyone to stay up to date with their recommended vaccinations this season.”
– Dr. Michelle Murti, Medical Officer of Health
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