Fall COVID, Flu and RSV vaccines

Getting an annual flu shot and COVID vaccine offers the best protection from serious illness during respiratory illness season, which generally runs from October to April each year. Receiving these vaccines helps maximize protection against severe illness during the winter months when peak circulation of respiratory viruses is happening. You can safely get your flu and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time.

Book an appointment for your flu shot and COVID vaccine

You can book an appointment for your flu and COVID vaccines in one of the following ways:

  • Book with your local pharmacy. Many offer convenient times and locations and can vaccinate ages 2 and up.
  • Contact your family doctor or health care provider.
  • You can contact Public Health if you are unable to get an appointment at a pharmacy or with your doctor.

Important information:

  • If you require accommodation for your appointment or to book an appointment for multiple people (i.e., your family), please call 1-800-265-7293 ext. 7006
  • No drop-ins are being accepted, please make an appointment.

COVID, Flu and RSV vaccine information

COVID vaccine information

About the COVID vaccine

Updated XBB-containing mRNA vaccines will be used for this fall’s COVID-19 vaccines. The updated vaccines specifically target the subvariants that are circulating right now, offering the best protection possible for the upcoming illness season.

Individuals 6 months and older may receive a COVID-19 vaccine on the same day or at any time before or after non-COVID-19 vaccines (except for the RSV vaccine as it is still new.)

The COVID vaccine is administered by a single dose in the upper arm.

Who should get a fall COVID vaccine

Please see the Ontario Ministry of Health’s latest COVID-19 Vaccine Guidance for more information.

How to book an appointment

See above for how to book an appointment for the updated COVID vaccine this fall.

Side effects

The new COVID-19 vaccine has the same side effects are previous versions. Most side effects are mild to moderate and will resolve within a few day such as:

  • Soreness at injection site, redness, swelling 
  • Fatigue 
  • Headache 
  • Muscle aches
  • Chills 
  • Mild fever 

What to do:

  • Put a clean, cold cloth over the sore area.
  • Continue to move your arm as much as possible.
  • If needed, you can take over-the-counter pain medicine for pain or to lower fever.

Flu vaccine information

About the flu vaccines this year

The vaccine products being used for this respiratory season are the same as last year:

  • FluLaval Tetra (6 months of age and greater)
  • Fluzone Quadrivalent (6 months of age and greater)
  • Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent (65 years and older) *Not available at WDG Public Health. Please contact your physician or local pharmacy for more information.
  • Fluad (65 years and older)

All available flu vaccines are effective and it is recommended to get your flu shot as soon as it is available.

The flu vaccine is administered by a single dose in the upper arm.

Who should get a flu shot

  • It is recommended for everyone 6 months and older.
  • It is highly recommended for those in high-risk groups

How to book an appointment

See above for how to get your flu shot.

Who should NOT get a flu shot?

  • Anyone who has had a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a previous flu immunization
  • Anyone who has had a serious allergic reaction to any ingredient in the vaccine (with the exception of egg)
  • Anyone who had Guillain-Barré syndrome within 6 weeks of a previous flu immunization
  • Children under 6 months of age

Side effects of the flu vaccine

  • Redness, swelling and soreness where the needle was given
  • Headache
  • Tiredness/weakness
  • Fever

These side effects are generally mild and last only a few days.

What to do:

  • Put a clean, cold cloth over the sore area
  • Continue to move your arm as much as possible
  • If needed, you can take over-the-counter pain medicine for pain or to lower fever.
RSV vaccine information
Important note: Public Health does not have the vaccine and is not booking appointments at this time.

About the RSV vaccine

Arexvy, an RSV vaccine, has been authorized for use in Canada for the prevention of lower respiratory tract disease caused by RSV in adults 60 years of age and older. NACI is reviewing the use of Arexvy and recommendations are expected in the coming months.

GSK, the company who makes the RSV vaccine, indicated that clinical trials showed 82.6% efficacy for prevention of lower respiratory tract disease caused by RSV in older adults and 94.6% efficacy in those with underlying medical conditions.

Eligibility

Publicly funded

The RSV vaccine will be available for the 2023-24 respiratory illness season for free to those 60 years and older living in long-term care homes, Elder Care Lodges and for some retirement home residents.

At a cost

The RSV vaccine will be available in limited quantities to for those 60 and older at a cost of approximately $250 (TBD). You can also check if it is covered under your drug or benefit plan.

How to get the RSV vaccine

Contact your health care provider to get a prescription for the RSV vaccine and make an appointment with them to administer it.

If you have questions or need assistance about the COVID, Flu or RSV vaccines, please call Client and Community Support at 1-800-265-7293 to speak to a public health nurse.