New Vaccines for Respiratory Illnesses Now in Eastern Ontario

Vaccination Availability in Eastern Ontario

As the respiratory illness season approaches, residents of Eastern Ontario can now access vaccines for RSV, COVID-19, and Influenza. The onset of the flu season has occurred earlier than anticipated this year, leading health officials to emphasize the importance of vaccination.

Health Officials Urge Vaccination

Dr. Paul Roumeliotis, the Medical Officer of Health at the Eastern Ontario Health Unit (EOHU), noted, “This year, we’ve seen the flu starting to circulate earlier than usual. We expect an increase in RSV infections as well, while COVID-19 continues to be present all year long.” He strongly encourages everyone to receive the vaccines they qualify for to safeguard their health during the season.

Current Vaccination Rates

Despite the availability of these vaccines, vaccination rates in certain age groups remain low. Data indicates that only 34% of adults aged 75 and older have received an RSV vaccine at any point in their lives. Moreover, only 23% of Canadians received the COVID-19 vaccine in the fall of 2025, and 34% were vaccinated against the flu for the 2025-2026 season. To achieve effective 'herd immunity,' Health Canada recommends vaccination rates surpassing 80%.

Recognizing Flu Symptoms

It’s essential to recognize the symptoms of the flu, which may include:

• Sudden fever or heightened body temperature
• Cough and sore throat
• Runny or blocked nose
• Headaches or body aches
• Chills and feelings of fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea or vomiting (especially in children)
• Diarrhea

Where to Get Vaccinated

The EOHU has made the flu and COVID-19 vaccines available free of charge to anyone aged six months and older. The RSV vaccine is also offered at no cost to those who qualify. Starting October 26, these vaccines will be distributed throughout the five Eastern Counties and Cornwall via healthcare providers, community health centers, and selected pharmacies. Additionally, parents can make appointments for the flu and COVID-19 vaccines for children aged six months to under five years at the EOHU.

Further Information

For more details on flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccinations, residents can visit EOHU.ca or reach out to the EOHU by calling 613-933-1375 or 1-800-267-7120.