Toronto Public Health Encourages Vaccination as Fall Respiratory Illness Season Approaches

Toronto – Toronto Public Health (TPH) is urging eligible residents to get vaccinated ahead of the fall respiratory illness season, as cases of COVID-19, influenza, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) are expected to rise with cooler weather approaching. Vaccination is a key measure to protect against severe illness, hospitalization, and even death, particularly among vulnerable populations.

Toronto Public Health encourages residents to get vaccinated during fall respiratory illness season

News Release: https://t.co/zLGRny0cor pic.twitter.com/oyh0lClGn2

— City of Toronto (@cityoftoronto) October 17, 2024

COVID-19 and Flu Vaccines Available Starting October 28

Beginning Monday, October 28, updated COVID-19 (KP.2) and flu vaccines will be available for all Ontario residents aged six months and older. The vaccines can be accessed through participating primary healthcare providers, walk-in clinics, and pharmacies. The COVID-19 vaccine rollout will prioritize individuals at higher risk of severe illness, including:

• Adults aged 65 and older
• Children aged six months to four years
• Residents and staff of long-term care and other congregate living settings
• Individuals with underlying medical conditions, including children with complex health needs
• Pregnant individuals
• First Nations, Métis, and Inuit community members
• Racialized and other equity-deserving communities
• Healthcare workers and first responders

Eligible residents are encouraged to verify their eligibility for the updated COVID-19 vaccine through the Ministry of Health’s website at www.ontario.ca/page/vaccines.

Due to the end of provincial funding for mass immunization clinics, TPH will not be administering these vaccines to the general public. Instead, TPH will focus on providing COVID-19 and flu vaccinations for children under the age of four and residents in high-risk settings. Parents can book vaccinations for eligible children at www.tphbookings.ca.

RSV Vaccine Options

Adults aged 60 and older who do not qualify for the publicly funded RSV vaccine can discuss the option of receiving the vaccine at their own cost with their healthcare provider. Pharmacies will not administer the RSV vaccine funded by the public healthcare system.

To protect infants and high-risk children, the Ministry of Health has introduced a new RSV prevention program that includes:

• Vaccination for pregnant individuals between 32-36 weeks of gestation, if delivering near or during the 2024-2025 RSV season. This can be arranged through prenatal healthcare providers, primary care providers, and midwives.
• Monoclonal antibody treatment for infants born in the 2024-2025 season and high-risk children up to 24 months of age. This is available through hospitals, birthing centers, primary care providers, and specialty clinics.

Precautionary Measures Recommended

In addition to vaccination, TPH advises residents to take preventive actions to curb the spread of respiratory illnesses. These include staying home when unwell, practicing good hand hygiene, opting for well-ventilated spaces, and wearing a well-fitted mask in crowded indoor areas.

City of Toronto’s Preparedness Efforts

Toronto, home to over three million residents, continues to implement public health measures to safeguard its population amid the respiratory illness season. As one of North America’s largest and most diverse cities, it remains committed to public health and safety while leading in various sectors including technology, finance, culture, and climate action.

For more details on vaccine availability, respiratory illnesses, and prevention measures, visit the City of Toronto’s Respiratory Viruses webpage at www.toronto.ca/RespiratoryViruses or consult a healthcare provider.

Stay informed and follow the City of Toronto on social media for updates: X, Instagram, and Facebook.

SOURCE City of Toronto