Flu

The flu (influenza) is a viral infection that is most often seen in the fall and winter. Getting the flu shot prevents pneumonia, hospitalizations, and death.

Free flu shots are now available for the most vulnerable and high-priority populations.

Free flu shots are now available for all individuals 6 months of age and older who live, work, or go to school in Ontario.

You can book an appointment to get your flu shot at:

• Family doctors offices and walk-in clinics for adults and children 6 months or older.
• Participating pharmacies for adults and children 2 years or older
• Peel Public Health clinics for adults and children 2 years or older
• Individuals without a health card can receive the flu shot from a community health centre or local pharmacy and at Peel Public Health clinics

For more information about the flu and where to get the flu shot, please visit Ontario.ca/Flu or peelregion.ca/flu.

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COVID-19

Getting vaccinated and staying up to date with your COVID-19 vaccinations is the best way to remain protected against the most severe outcomes of COVID-19 infection including hospitalization and death.

The updated COVID-19 vaccine is available for all eligible individuals 6 months of age and older in Ontario at no cost, regardless of citizenship or immigration status, even if you do not have an Ontario health card.

Visit Covid-19.Ontario.ca or Covid-19 - Peel Region for more information on COVID-19 vaccines and vaccine appointments.

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Antiviral treatments

Antiviral treatments for COVID-19 (including Paxlovid, Remdesivir, and Evusheld) can prevent serious illness if taken quickly after symptoms start (within the first few days). They are available in Ontario for free to anyone with a prescription. A physician, nurse practitioner or participating pharmacist can prescribe treatment if it is right for you and if you are at higher risk of serious illness. Learn more about antiviral treatments at COVID-19 testing and treatment | ontario.ca

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Proof of vaccination

If you have received your COVID-19 vaccine and have misplaced your proof of vaccination, you can easily retrieve your confirmation receipt by visiting covid19.ontariohealth.ca and following the step-by-step instructions.

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COVID-19 Vaccine Videos

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Please note:

• The flu and COVID-19 vaccines are available to everybody aged 6 months and older in Ontario at no cost, regardless of citizenship or immigration status, even if you do not have an Ontario health card.
• It is safe and convenient to receive both the COVID-19 and annual flu shots at the same time, reducing the need for multiple visits to a doctor, nurse practitioner or local pharmacy.
• Visit Health811 online or call 811 (TTY 1-866-797-0007) for health advice and information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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RSV

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of lower respiratory illness, particularly among infants, young children, and older adults, affecting the lungs and airways. It may cause cold-like symptoms and is the most common cause of bronchiolitis, a common chest infection that affects infants and toddlers. Older adults and those with underlying health conditions such as asthma, chronic heart or lung disease, and those with weakened immune systems, can be at risk of severe illness with RSV.

Through the Ontario government's High-Risk Older Adults RSV Vaccine Program, adults 60 years or older residing in long-term care homes, Elder Care Lodges, and some retirement homes may be eligible for the RSV vaccine, Arexvy. If adults 60 years or older don't qualify for the free RSV vaccine, they can still purchase the vaccine with a prescription from their family doctor or other primary care provider.

This year, the provincial RSV prevention program has been expanded to include all retirement home residents, people living in congregate settings (e.g. shelters), and families with infants and high-risk children up to 24 months. The Beyfortus® preventative medication is available through health care providers for infants born during the 2024-25 respiratory season, as well as high-risk children up to 24 months. Learn more about Beyfortus at RSV Fact Sheet - For Parents (EN) Final (pcmch.on.ca) and at Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) prevention programs | ontario.ca.

For more information, please visit Ontario.ca/rsv.

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Stay protected this fall and winter

With cooler weather upon us and as people move indoors, the risk of transmitting viruses like the flu, COVID-19 or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) increases.

To keep yourself protected:

• Get vaccinated and stay up to date with vaccinations
• Wash your hands often
• Cough or sneeze into your elbow
• Avoid touching your face
• Clean shared surfaces and items often
• Stay home if you’re sick

Vaccines help lower the risk of infection, work to reduce severe outcomes if infected, and aid your body's natural defenses to develop protection against a disease.