Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is recommending that residents aged 6 months and older get their annual flu vaccine as soon as possible this flu season. OPH is anticipating an active respiratory illness season with influenza (flu), COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) circulating in the community at the same time. The flu can cause serious illness and can result in complications and hospitalizations, especially for older adults and young children. Getting an annual flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself from the flu.
- Starting October 15, 2024: Participating local pharmacies will begin to offer flu vaccines to individuals at high risk of flu-related complications.
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Starting October 21, 2024: OPH Community Clinics and Neighbourhood Health and Wellness Hubs will offer the flu vaccine for eligible high risk and priority populations who face barriers to access, including:
- Children aged 6 months to under 2 years and their household members (note: children 2 and older are directed to pharmacies for their annual flu vaccine).
- High-risk individuals facing significant barriers to access, such as newcomers without OHIP and children 2 to 5 years of age who have tried to access the vaccine through another provider.
- Starting October 28, 2024: all individuals 6 months of age and older who live, work, or go to school in Ontario are eligible for the flu vaccine through local pharmacies and healthcare providers. Updated COVID-19 vaccines will also be available for everyone.
For more information, please visit ottawa.ca or OttawaPublicHealth/flu.
