As the weather gets colder and people move indoors, the risk of catching viruses like the flu, COVID-19 or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) increases. No single measure on its own is 100% effective at preventing the spread of respiratory infections but practicing them all together provides the best protection. In the community, this includes:
· Stay home when sick, and if unable to stay home, wear a mask and avoid vulnerable populations.
· Wash your hands often with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
· Cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow, not your hand.
· Consider wearing a tight-fitting, well-constructed mask in indoor public settings, especially if you or anyone you are with is at higher risk of severe infection.
· Stay up to date with vaccinations. 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 disease.
Peel Public Health’s website for respiratory illness season will be updated throughout the fall and winter.
Protecting the Most Vulnerable
Certain groups are at higher risk of severe illness from respiratory infections. These include:
· Babies under six months (who are too young for vaccines)
· Children under five years old
· Adults aged 65 and older
· Pregnant individuals
· People with underlying health conditions such as asthma, heart disease, or diabetes
· People experiencing homelessness / precarious housing
· People who are Indigenous (First Nations, Metis, Inuit)
· People experiencing barriers to accessing health care, including but not limited to those belonging to racialized communities
Vaccine Information and Eligibility
All respiratory season vaccines are free for Ontarians regardless of citizenship or immigration status. You do not need an Ontario health card to get vaccinated. Individuals without a health card can receive the flu and COVID-19 vaccine from a community health centre or local pharmacy.
Flu and COVID-19 Vaccines
Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are available for all Peel residents six months and older. Make an appointment to get the vaccines at:
· Family doctors and walk-in clinics
· Peel Public Health clinics – Children over six months to four years old can get their COVID-19 and flu vaccines at Peel Public Health clinics. Residents can receive the flu vaccine at the same time, or any time before or after a COVID-19 vaccine. Peel Public Health clinics will offer the standard dose flu vaccine, not the high-dose or adjuvanted formulations. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about the high-dose or adjuvanted influenza vaccine. You can book appointments online or call Peel Public Health at 905-799-7700, toll-free 1-888-919-7800.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia among infants and young children, and a major cause of hospital admissions in young children and older adults. This year, Ontario is expanding its RSV prevention programs. Individuals 60 years and older, and select pregnant individuals, may be eligible for a publicly funded RSV vaccine. Infants and high-risk young children are eligible to receive an RSV prophylaxis.
For more information on whether you are eligible for this vaccine and prophylaxis, and how to get it, please contact your primary care provider or visit Peel Region’s website.
Visit Health811 online or call 811 (TTY 1-866-797-0007) for health advice and information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
“Respiratory illness season is an important time to protect ourselves and our loved ones. By practicing a combination of preventive steps, including recommended vaccinations, we can all reduce the risk of illness for everyone. Peel Public Health works collaboratively with partners across the health care system to ensure convenient and equitable access to those seeking vaccines. We encourage residents to take advantage of many options available to protect themselves and our community.”
Dr. Gayane Hovhannisyan, Acting Medical Officer of Health, Peel Public Health