NEWS RELEASE
MINISTRY OF HEALTH
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Starting today, Ontarians can get the free flu shot and the new updated COVID-19 vaccine at local pharmacies, public health facilities and primary care providers across the province. Staying current on vaccinations continues to be the best way for people to stay safe and healthy this respiratory illness season and avoid unnecessary hospital visits.

“Our government is taking action to ensure Ontarians of all ages have the tools they need to keep themselves and their loved ones safe and healthy,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health.

“By expanding the number of eligible children under the RSV program and ensuring that people have access to convenient, publicly funded flu and COVID-19 vaccines, our government is making it easier for families to access care and protection this respiratory illness season.”

The flu vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccine are available at participating pharmacies, local public health facilities and primary care providers, and it is safe and convenient to receive both vaccines at the same time. All citizens six months and older can receive the next dose of COVID-19 if six months have passed since the last dose or confirmed infection with COVID-19. Ontarians are encouraged to speak with a health professional to help determine their appropriate vaccination schedule.

Starting November 4, Beyfortus® respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) immunization doses will also be available for infants and high-risk children up to 24 months of age. The province’s expanded RSV immunization program, available to all babies born in 2024, will help more than 200,000 families access free Beyfortus® immunization through their public health unit, health care provider, and in-hospital settings for infants born during 2024 / 25 season of respiratory diseases.

Pregnant women also have the option of receiving a single dose of Abrysvo® to provide protection for their baby from birth to six months.

The province has also expanded the RSV prevention program for high-risk older adults and has already received doses for everyone age 60 and older living in long-term care homes, nursing homes and all nursing homes. Ontario is the first in Canada to have a publicly funded RSV program for older adults and one of the first in the world.

“Ontario’s RSV programs will play a critical role in protecting infants, young children and older adults who are most susceptible to severe outcomes from the virus, including serious lung infections and hospitalization,” said Dr. Kieran Moore, Chief Medical Officer of health. . “To be well protected this respiratory illness season, I encourage everyone to get their COVID-19 and flu vaccinations, especially those 65 and older, as well as those at risk greater likelihood of severe outcomes.”

By Your Health: A Plan for Connected and Convenient Carethe Ontario government is giving people the tools they need to stay safe and healthy throughout the respiratory season.

Fast facts

• The risk of severe outcomes from RSV infection is greatest among those over 60 years of age, infants under six months of age, and children under 24 months of age with chronic conditions such as chronic lung disease, congenital heart disease, systemic compromised immune or neuromuscular. disturbances.
• Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that causes cold symptoms in many infants and young children. Most children will have at least one RSV infection by age two.
• As part of the Ontario government’s historic $330 million investment in pediatric care, new rapid access clinics for children and youth have been added to health care providers’ facilities to provide families with faster and easier access to care during the respiratory disease season.
• According to the National Advisory Committee on Immunization, Beyfortus® is the product of choice for protecting infants. Taking both Abrysvo® and Beyfortus® is not expected to provide additional benefit.
• Vaccines in Ontario’s routine immunization program are offered free of charge if you meet the eligibility criteria. If you are unsure about the immunizations you or your family have received or are eligible for, talk to your healthcare provider or public health facility.
• To reduce the risk of spreading the disease, people are advised to wash their hands frequently, cover their mouths when they cough or sneeze, clean surfaces and objects they share regularly, and stay home when they are sick.
• Visit Health811 online or call 811 (TTY: 1-866-797-0007 toll-free) for health advice and information 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

CITED

“Let’s stay current on our vaccines. That’s why it’s so important that all of our seniors, older adults, and all who live in nursing homes roll up their sleeves and get their shots. Getting our flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines will go a long way toward keeping everyone safe, healthy, and avoiding hospital visits this fall or winter.”

– Raymond Cho
Ontario Minister of Seniors and Accessibility

“Parents and caregivers in Ontario have the opportunity to protect infants and all newborns from RSV with Beyfortus® (nirsevimab). Sanofi is proud to partner with the Government of Ontario to provide innovative solutions that help protect the most vulnerable and ease the strain on the health care system during the respiratory season.”

– Delphine Lansac
General Manager, Vaccines, Sanofi Canada

“We applaud the Ontario government’s efforts to promote vaccination and prioritize the health and well-being of Ontarians during the fall and winter seasons when respiratory illnesses are more common. Vaccination Plays an Important Role in Preventing Disease from COVID-19 and RSV and Reducing the Burden on Our Health Care System Our partners have our ongoing commitment to ensure that our vaccines are readily available and accessible to all eligible people in Ontario.

– Ranjita Banerjee
Primary Care Lead, Pfizer Canada

“Ontario Pharmacists are proud to provide some of the most affordable healthcare services in the province. With an expanded program and nearly 4,000 participating locations across Ontario, we are proud to play a key role in ensuring Ontarians have access to influenza and COVID-19 vaccines. This season, we’re here to support our communities by making sure flu and COVID-19 vaccines are available to everyone, helping to keep citizens safe and reduce the spread of disease.”

– Justin Bates
CEO, Ontario Pharmacists Association

“By expanding access to flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines in pharmacies, the government is making essential immunizations more accessible and convenient for Ontarians and empowering pharmacy professionals to continue to play a key role in protecting public health this season.”

– Sheriff Guorgui
Co-Chief Executive Officer, OnPharm United

“CSL Seqirus applauds Ontario’s proactive approach to protecting citizens this respiratory illness season, as influenza is among the top 10 causes of death in Canada. We are proud to partner with the Ontario government to offer Flucelvax® Quad, a cell-based flu vaccine for the general population, as well as Fluad® for Ontario seniors to help protect against the flu while reducing the burden on the system of health.”

– Gillian Stafford
CSL Seqirus Country Head Commercial Operations, Canada

“GSK recognizes Ontario’s leadership in expanding its first Canadian RSV program for older adults to include additional vulnerable populations this fall and winter. We are pleased that AREXVY remains among the vaccines offered this season and that Ontario’s seniors will continue to benefit from the protection afforded by RSV vaccines.”

– Sridhar Venkatesh
President and CEO, GSK Canada Commercial

“This preventive treatment will help protect infants, children and adults at higher risk from the severe effects of RSV, which could have a significant effect on reducing hospitalizations this respiratory season. Additionally, it is important that all healthcare professionals do everything they can to stay healthy so we can continue to serve our patients and families across the province.”

– Dr. Chris Simpson
Executive Vice President, Acute and Hospital Care and Chief Medical Officer Ontario Health

Additional resources

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