As of Oct. 30, Ontario residents aged six months and older are eligible for the newest version of the COVID-19 booster along with a free flu shot.
The push is on by the Ministry of Health to have Ontario residents stay up to date with vaccines against possible respiratory illness at this time of year, Health Minister Sylvia Jones said in a news release.
“Getting your COVID-19 vaccine and flu shot is the best way to keep yourself, your loved ones and your community healthy,” said Jones.
“Our government is ensuring you have access to the tools you need this fall respiratory season by making COVID-19 vaccines and flu shots available in convenient locations close to home, at no cost to Ontarians," she added.
The new COVID-19 vaccines now available are specifically designed to target the XBB variant and were approved by Health Canada earlier this fall, said the ministry.
It is safe and convenient to receive both a COVID-19 vaccine and flu shot at the same time, reducing the need for multiple visits, the ministry news release continued.
Although the province said the new vaccines were available Monday, the XBB vaccine and the flu shots have been available in Sudbury since the first week of October.
Public Health Sudbury and Districts (PHSD) said the initial doses of XBB vaccine were prioritized for high-risk populations, including hospitalized individuals and hospital staff, and residents, staff and caregivers of long-term care homes and Elder Care Lodges, followed by individuals at high-risk for COVID-19-related complications or hospitalizations.
Based on a guidance document (page 7) from the Ministry of Health, PHSD said the newer COVID vaccines (both Pfizer and Moderna) would be distributed as they become available to participating retirement homes, congregate living facilities, pharmacies and primary care providers, such as family physicians.
The COVID vaccines would be available to all Ontario residents as of Oct. 30, said the document. The health ministry said the newer vaccine would be available to anyone six months and older, provided it has been a recommended six months since their last dose or confirmed COVID-19 infection.
Ontarians are encouraged to speak with a healthcare professional to help determine their appropriate vaccination schedule.
Dr. Keiran Moore, Ontario's chief medical officer of health, said with the arrival of colder weather, he is encouraging all residents to get the vaccines as soon as possible.
“Especially those who are elderly, immunocompromised, or have medical conditions that make you particularly susceptible to harm from respiratory illnesses," said Moore.
Also, children and older adults with respiratory difficulties such as asthma or chronic lung or heart disease should also consider getting an RSV vaccine, said the ministry.
To reduce the risk of spreading illness, individuals are advised to wash their hands often, cover their mouths when they cough or sneeze, clean surfaces and shared items regularly and stay at home when sick, said the ministry news release.
Through Your Health: A Plan for Connected and Convenient Care, the Ontario government is ensuring communities across the province have the tools they need to stay safe and healthy this fall and winter while ensuring hospital beds are available for those who need them most.
Len Gillis covers health care and mining for Sudbury.com.
