Everyone in Ontario over the age of six months will now have access to free flu shots and the new COVID-19 vaccine.
Health Minister Sylvia Jones announced the rollout on Sunday.
“Getting your COVID-19 vaccine and flu shot is the best way to keep yourself, your loved ones and your community healthy,” Jones said in a news release. “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.”
Flu shots and the most recent COVID vaccine will be available at local pharmacies, public health units, and primary care providers, suggesting receiving both shots at once is safe and will reduce the need for multiple visits.
“With the expected co-circulation of influenza, COVID-19 and RSV over the fall and winter, I encourage Ontarians to get their COVID-19 vaccine and flu shot as soon as they can,” said Dr. Kieran Moore, Chief Medical Officer of Health. “Especially those who are elderly, immunocompromised, or have medical conditions that make you particularly susceptible to harm from respiratory illnesses.”
Officials say anyone over six months who is six months past their last confirmed infection or last vaccine dose is eligible for the new COVID vaccine.