With the cold weather on its way and more time spent indoors, the season for lung infections has returned to Greater Sudbury.
And with this in mind, Public Health Sudbury & Districts is encouraging all those who can to get their seasonal and respiratory vaccinations.
This means vaccines for COVID-19, seasonal influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are now available in our service area, said PHSD.
Beginning this month, the health unit said the updated COVID-19 and influenza vaccines will be prioritized for high-risk groups as determined by the Ministry of Health.
On Oct. 28, the vaccines will be available to everyone.
People are encouraged to book their COVID-19 and flu vaccines appointments through local pharmacies and health-care providers as soon as they are eligible. It is safe to get both vaccines at the same time, said PHSD.
“Lung infections are one of the top five causes of death in our community,” said Dr. Mustafa Hirji, acting medical officer of health, in the PHSD news release.
“As we spend more time indoors due to colder weather, and gather with family and friends over several holidays, the viruses that cause cold, flu and COVID-19 spread easily through the air causing illness. Getting our fall vaccines every year is the most important step we can take to protect family, friends, and loved ones who are at greater risk.”
An updated mRNA COVID-19 vaccine will soon be available for high-risk groups, said the health unit. This is to include residents and staff of long-term care homes and congregate living settings, adults aged 65 years and older, pregnant individuals, members of First Nation, Métis, and Inuit communities, those with underlying medical conditions, and health-care workers, said PHSD.
Visit the Ontario Ministry of Health website to see if you are eligible for a COVID-19 dose this fall.
Also on Oct. 28, high-risk populations will be eligible to receive the seasonal flu vaccine. This is to include children six months to four years old, residents and staff of long-term care and retirement homes, adults 65 years of age and older, pregnant individuals, members of First Nation, Métis, and Inuit communities, adults and children with chronic health conditions, and health care workers.
The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine for high-risk older adults will also be available this year, said the health unit.
Certain adults aged 60 years and over who are at high-risk may be eligible for the vaccine. If you don’t qualify for the publicly funded program, you can purchase the vaccine at a pharmacy. If you received this vaccine last year, you don’t need to get it again.
Starting the 2024-25 season, Ontario has expanded the infant RSV prevention program. Immunization for infants is available, and a vaccine for pregnant individuals is also being offered, based on recommendations from a health care provider.
For more information and to check eligibility for both the high-risk older adult and the infant and high-risk children RSV prevention programs, visit the Ontario Ministry of Health website or speak to your primary care provider.