Fall is here — and so are questions about vaccines.
Do I need a flu shot? What about COVID-19? Am I old enough for the RSV vaccine? Do I need a pneumonia vaccine too?
If you’re confused, you’re not alone. Vaccine recommendations can change from year to year, and not every vaccine is recommended for every person.
Here is a simple look at what may apply to you this fall.
Infants
RSV
Starting October 1, eligible newborns and infants up to 8 months of age in their first RSV season can receive the Beyfortus immunization.
High-risk children up to 24 months of age in their second RSV season may also be eligible.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia vaccination is given during routine childhood immunizations.
If You’re 6 Months to 64 Years Old
Flu
The flu vaccine is recommended each year for most people 6 months of age and older who do not have a contraindication to the vaccine.
People from 6 months to 64 years receive the regular-dose flu vaccine.
COVID-19
Some people in this age group are included in higher-risk groups for COVID-19 vaccination, including:
- People with underlying medical conditions that put them at higher risk of severe COVID-19
- Pregnant people
- Health-care workers and other care providers
- Residents of long-term care homes and other congregate living settings for seniors
- People in or from First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities
- Members of racialized and other equity-denied communities
People who are not considered high risk may also choose to receive the vaccine based on individual COVID-19 risk assessment or preference.
Pneumonia
People from 6 weeks to 64 years who are considered high risk may be covered for pneumonia vaccination in Ontario.
Please contact the clinic if you are unsure whether you are covered.
If You’re 65 to 74 Years Old
Flu
Adults 65 and older may receive an enhanced flu vaccine, depending on availability and clinical guidance.
COVID-19
Adults 65 and older are included in the higher-risk group for COVID-19 vaccination.
RSV
Adults 60 to 74 years old may be covered in Ontario if they meet specific high-risk criteria, including:
- Residents of long-term care homes, Elder Care Lodges, retirement homes or similar settings
- Patients in hospital receiving alternate level of care
- Certain patients with glomerulonephritis who are moderately to severely immunocompromised
- People receiving hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis
- Solid organ or hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients
- People who are homeless
- People who identify as First Nations, Inuit or Métis
Ontario has confirmed that eligible adults in this age group can receive the RSV vaccine at any time during the year.
Pneumonia
Adults 65 and older are covered in Ontario for pneumonia vaccination.
If You’re 75 or Older
If you are 75 or older, the following vaccines may apply to you this fall:
- High-dose flu vaccine
- COVID-19 vaccine
- RSV vaccine
- Pneumonia vaccine
Adults 75 and older are covered in Ontario for RSV vaccination and can receive it at any time during the year.
If You’re Pregnant
Pregnant people are included in the higher-risk group for COVID-19 vaccination.
RSV vaccination is also covered in Ontario for pregnant individuals between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy who will be delivering during RSV season.
Ontario has confirmed that pregnant women have the option to receive the RSV vaccine from an obstetrician, midwife or primary care provider to help protect their infant at birth.
When Will Vaccines Be Available?
Ontario has now announced the rollout for this year’s flu and COVID-19 vaccines.
Key Dates
Week of September 28
Starting the week of September 28, the initial supply of flu and COVID-19 vaccines will be available to specified high-risk and priority groups who live, work or study in Ontario, including:
- Hospitalized patients
- Hospital staff
- Residents and staff in long-term care homes, retirement homes and other congregate settings
- People aged 65 and older
October 1
Eligible newborns and infants can begin receiving RSV immunization starting October 1. Eligible adults can receive RSV vaccination at any time during the year.
October 26
Free flu and COVID-19 vaccines become available to the general public.
Starting October 26, free flu and COVID-19 vaccines will be available to the general public, check in with us to find out when to book your appointment.
If you have any questions about your immunization status or which vaccines you may need this fall, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at the clinic. We’re happy to help.
