Toronto Public Health urges residents to get flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines ahead of holiday season
Health officials emphasize layered protection as respiratory illness activity rises across the city
TORONTO — With respiratory illness season underway, Toronto Public Health (TPH) is encouraging all eligible residents to get vaccinated against influenza (flu), COVID-19, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) to help prevent severe illness and reduce pressure on the city’s health care system during the busy winter months.
On Monday, Dr. Michelle Murti, Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health, and Councillor Chris Moise (Toronto Centre), Chair of the Board of Health, received their COVID-19 and flu vaccines at a local pharmacy to underscore the importance of staying up to date on immunizations.
Vaccines now available citywide
Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are free for everyone aged six months and older and are widely available at participating pharmacies and primary care providers. Toronto Public Health clinics are also offering vaccinations for children aged six months to four years.
It is safe and convenient to receive flu and COVID-19 vaccines at the same appointment — and for eligible residents, the RSV vaccine can be administered as well.
The RSV vaccine is available for:
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Adults aged 75 and older
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Certain high-risk adults aged 60 to 74
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Infants in their first RSV season
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High-risk children under two years old
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Pregnant individuals between 32–36 weeks of gestation
Eligible infants and children can receive RSV immunizations through hospitals, birthing centres, primary care providers, or at Toronto Public Health breastfeeding clinics for babies up to eight months old. RSV vaccines for eligible adults are available free through primary care providers.
Appointments can be booked through the City’s vaccination portal at www.tphbookings.ca.
Staying protected through updated vaccines
Dr. Murti emphasized that immunity from previous infections or earlier vaccines can decline over time. “Vaccination for COVID-19, flu and RSV not only prevents severe illness but also reduces the strain on our hospitals and protects those who are most vulnerable in our community,” said Dr. Murti. “I encourage everyone who is eligible to get their vaccines as part of staying healthy this fall and winter.”
TPH notes that vaccines are updated each year to match the most likely circulating strains. Even if the match is not exact, annual vaccination continues to strengthen immune protection and helps prevent severe outcomes.
Councillor Moise reinforced the City’s commitment to accessibility: “Our City is making these free vaccines available and accessible to everyone eligible: just go to a participating pharmacy or primary care provider. By getting vaccinated, each of us plays a role in keeping Toronto safe and healthy.”
Layered protection: simple steps that make a difference
In addition to vaccination, TPH recommends Torontonians take simple everyday precautions to reduce virus spread:
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Wear a mask in crowded indoor spaces
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Stay home when sick
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Wash hands frequently
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Cover coughs and sneezes
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Choose well-ventilated spaces when possible
Health officials say combining these measures creates “layers of protection” that work best together, especially during peak virus activity. People with chronic health conditions — such as lung or heart disease — are advised to speak with their health care provider about creating a respiratory illness care plan.
Stay informed
Residents can monitor weekly updates on flu and COVID-19 trends through TPH’s Respiratory Virus Surveillance Dashboard, which also includes information on outbreaks in hospitals and long-term care facilities. The dashboard is available at toronto.ca/integrated-respiratory-diseases-dashboard.
For more information about how to protect yourself and others this season, visit toronto.ca/RespiratoryViruses.
SOURCE: City of Toronto News Release (November 17, 2025)
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