Free flu, COVID-19 vaccines available to general public in Ontario

Free flu and COVID-19 vaccines are available for everyone aged six months and older starting Monday.

Before Monday, only those who are higher risk were eligible for this year’s flu and COVID-19 vaccines.

The Ontario government says the vaccines are available at participating pharmacies, public health units and doctor and nurse practitioner offices.

“Getting immunized is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself, your loved ones and our communities,” said Ontario Health Minister Sylvia Jones.

“You can help prevent serious illness, reduce the spread of respiratory viruses and keep Ontario healthy this fall and winter with our free, safe and effective vaccines available across the province.”

High-risk and priority groups were eligible for the vaccines first starting last month, but now they’re open to the general public.

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Health officials say getting both the COVID-19 and flu vaccines at the same time is safe and recommended to avoid multiple trips to a health-care provider.

“People with risk factors for severe illness and when I say severe illness, I mean people with risk factors for hospitalization and death, that means those over the age of 65 and those with underlying health conditions and people residing in long-term care facilities for example, like these are people that should be getting the vaccine,” says Dr. Isaac Bogoch, infectious diseases specialist.

“Everyone else is in the may get the vaccine category. You absolutely can get it but if you’re unsure of it, obviously speak with a health-care provider.”

“I’m so happy everyone is responsible to get the vaccine. It’s very important as a community pharmacist, we are the frontline,” says Hala Abou-saleh, community pharmacist.

The adult RSV immunizations, Abrysvo or Arexvy, are also available and recommended to everyone 75 years old and above; certain high-risk adults aged 60 to 74 such as residents of long-term care homes or retirement homes; infants up to eight months of age born on or after April 1; and high-risk children less than 24 months old.

Pregnant women also have the option to receive the RSV vaccine Abrysvo, which health officials say can help provide protection to infants at birth.

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