As respiratory virus season begins, Toronto Public Health is urging residents to get their recommended vaccines for influenza, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
The call comes in a news release issued by the City of Toronto on Nov. 3, as colder temperatures push more gatherings indoors and the risk of spreading respiratory viruses rises.
Vaccination helps protect against serious illness and lowers the spread of flu, COVID-19 and RSV across the city, according to a City of Toronto news release.
Who should get vaccinated
Toronto Public Health says staying up to date on vaccines matters most for people at higher risk of severe illness. That includes older adults, young children, pregnant individuals, people with underlying health conditions, health-care workers and first responders.
Dr. Michelle Murti, the city's Medical Officer of Health, encouraged residents to book their shots before winter sets in.
As the colder weather starts and we gather indoors more with family and friends, getting vaccinated is one of the best ways to protect ourselves and those we care about. In addition to reducing the risk of serious illness or other health complications, vaccination also eases the pressure on our health-care system. I encourage everyone to stay up to date with their recommended vaccinations this season.
Dr. Michelle Murti, Medical Officer of Health, in a City of Toronto news release
Where to get a vaccine
Free flu and COVID-19 vaccines are available to everyone aged six months and older through participating pharmacies and health-care providers across Toronto.
Toronto Public Health is also holding a vaccination clinic for residents aged six months and older on Thursday, Nov. 5, at North York Civic Centre. Flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines will all be available at the clinic.
For families with very young children, additional clinics are being offered through TPH's Etobicoke Civic Centre Breastfeeding Clinic and the Ancestral Hands Midwives Breastfeeding Clinic in Scarborough. Those clinics provide flu and COVID-19 vaccines for children aged six months to four years, along with RSV immunization for eligible children under two.
Appointments and more information are available at www.tphbookings.ca. Residents can also speak with their health-care provider or pharmacist about which vaccines are recommended for them and where to get them.
Beyond the needle
Vaccination is not the only way to curb the spread of respiratory viruses this season, Toronto Public Health notes. The city has posted additional prevention guidance, including everyday measures residents can take, at www.toronto.ca/RespiratoryViruses.
With free vaccines widely available at pharmacies, health-care providers and city-run clinics, residents have until the season peaks to get protected — but TPH's message is that earlier is better.
