Ontario health officials are urging residents to get vaccinated as the province braces for what could be a challenging flu season, mirroring record-breaking infection rates seen in Australia earlier this year.
Beginning October 27, the Ministry of Health announced that free flu and COVID-19 vaccines are now available to all Ontarians through pharmacies, family doctors, and public health units.
Dr. Zainab Abdurrahman, president of the Ontario Medical Association, warned that Ontario could see a surge similar to Australia, where more than 410,000 lab-confirmed flu cases were recorded this year — surpassing the previous high of 365,000 in 2024. “It’s a wake-up call,” Abdurrahman said, emphasizing the importance of boosting vaccination rates before winter.
Who Can Get Vaccinated
Anyone six months and older can receive the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as, or separately from, the flu shot.
Children under two years old cannot get their flu shot at a pharmacy but can be vaccinated at a doctor’s office, public health unit, or by a nurse practitioner.
The Rise of RSV
Health officials are also monitoring respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which can cause severe illness in young children and older adults. Vaccines are available for:
- Adults 75 and older,
- High-risk adults aged 60–74,
- High-risk children up to 24 months, and
- Pregnant individuals, to help protect newborns.
Triple Threat: Flu, COVID-19, and RSV
While rare, it is possible to be infected with influenza, COVID-19, and RSV at the same time, Abdurrahman said. “When you’re fighting one virus, your immune system is weakened, making you more susceptible to others,” she explained. “That’s why it’s so important to prime your immune system with vaccines.”
Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy and Allergies
As a clinical immunologist, Dr. Abdurrahman acknowledged that vaccine hesitancy and fear of allergic reactions persist among some Ontarians.
“It’s OK to have questions,” she said. “Talk to your doctor or a trusted health professional who can provide clear, evidence-based information.”
For those who have experienced allergic reactions to vaccines, Abdurrahman said allergists can safely re-administer doses in small, incremental amounts to prevent adverse effects. “Vaccines are safe, and they save lives,” she stressed.
National Guidance
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends Canadians receive the latest COVID-19 vaccine formulation each fall, as it offers better protection against currently circulating variants.
The committee also highlights the importance of vaccination for hospitalized patients, long-term care residents and staff, and individuals over 65, who remain at higher risk for complications from both influenza and COVID-19.
As Ontario heads into colder months, health experts say vaccination remains the most effective tool to prevent serious illness and hospitalizations — and to ease the strain on the province’s already stretched health-care system.