Southeast Public Health (SEPH) is reminding all residents to take precautions to prevent the spread of respiratory illness, including influenza (flu), COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) as we approach colder months when the rates of respiratory illnesses and demand on our health-care system increases. Infection can cause mild to severe illness and can lead to serious health complications, even in healthy children and adults.
The flu and COVID-19 vaccines are available free of charge to everyone six months of age and older who lives, works or goes to school in Ontario. Residents are encouraged to get their flu and COVID-19 vaccines as soon as possible. It is safe and convenient to receive both vaccines at the same time.
“Receiving your flu and COVID-19 vaccines every year is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from serious respiratory illness and it helps to protect our health-care capacity during this busy time of year,” said Dr. Ethan Toumishey, Deputy Medical Officer of Health for Southeast Public Health. “Both the flu and COVID-19 can have severe health outcomes, especially for people who have underlying medical conditions, people over the age of 65 and young children.”
Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are available for eligible individuals through health-care providers and participating pharmacies. For children under five years of age who are unable to receive these vaccines through their health-care provider, SEPH is offering clinics. Visit the immunization clinic booking page to book an appointment.
RSV prevention is now available for infants born on or after April 1, 2026 and aged less than eight months at the time of immunization or children less than 24 months of age who remain vulnerable to severe RSV, and following a discussion with their pediatrician or pediatric specialist. RSV prevention is available through health-care providers; appointments can be booked at a Southeast Public Health clinic for infants who do not have a health-care provider.
Publicly funded RSV vaccine for adults is available to all individuals in Ontario aged 75 and older, and to individuals aged 60 to 74 who are at high-risk of infection. RSV vaccine for adults is available through health-care providers. Individuals who do not have a health-care provider can book an appointment at a Southeast Public Health routine immunization clinic. Individuals who have previously received the RSV vaccine do not need another dose.
In addition to immunization, people should regularly wash their hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer, cough and sneeze into their elbow or a tissue instead of their hands, wear a well-fitted mask in indoor public places and regularly disinfect high-touch surfaces to help prevent transmission.
People who have symptoms of illness should stay home while they are feeling unwell or if they have a fever, and until symptoms have been improving for at least 24 hours (48 hours if symptoms include nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea).
Flu symptoms include:
- fever (greater than 38⁰C or 100.4⁰F)
- cough or chills
- headache or muscle aches
- loss of appetite
- nausea or vomiting (mainly in young children)
- sore throat
- runny nose
Individuals with the flu or COVID-19 may remain infectious for several days after symptoms begin. When recovering from any respiratory illness, wear a mask when around others, and avoid visiting anyone who is immunocompromised or living in a high-risk setting (for example, long-term care home) for 10 days from the day symptoms started.
