Help keep everyone healthy during respiratory illness season
Back to SearchThis respiratory season, the province continues to expand access to protection against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), a common virus that can cause serious illness in infants and older adults.
- Older adults: New this year, all adults 75 and older are recommended to receive the RSV vaccine free of charge. Additionally, individuals 60 to 74-years old who meet certain high-risk criteria, or live in specific high-risk settings, are also eligible to receive the RSV vaccine.
- Infants and young children: Babies born on or after April 1, 2025, who are under eight-months old, as well as children up to 24-months old who are at higher risk for severe RSV disease, are recommended to receive a free dose of Beyfortus® (nirsevimab), a monoclonal antibody product. Pregnant individuals also have the option to receive the RSV vaccine Abrysvo® which can help protect infants at birth.
In addition to RSV protection, residents are reminded to get their annual influenza (flu) vaccine and the updated COVID-19 vaccine that targets current circulating variants. These vaccines are safe, effective, and proven to reduce the risk of infection, serious illness, hospitalization and death. It is safe to receive flu, COVID-19, and RSV protection at the same time. Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are now available for high-risk individuals. Starting October 27, flu and COVID-19 vaccines will be available to everyone six months and older.
“Respiratory viruses like RSV, influenza, and COVID-19 can lead to serious illness especially in our youngest children, older adults and those with underlying health conditions,” said Dr. Pepi McTavish, Durham Region Associate Medical Officer of Health. “Vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to protect yourself and your family. We strongly encourage everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated this season.”
Durham Region residents can receive the flu and COVID-19 vaccine at select health care providers and participating pharmacies. Visit ontario.ca/vaccine-locations for a list of participating pharmacy locations.
Parents of children six-months to two-years old who do not have access to a health care provider and would like their child to receive the flu vaccine, are encouraged to call Durham Health Connection Line at 905-668-2020 or 1-800-841-2729.
Children six-months to four-years old who are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine and cannot be vaccinated at a local pharmacy or through a health care provider can book an appointment through the Health Department. Appointments can be booked online by visiting durhamvaccinebooking.ca.
The RSV vaccine is available through your health care provider. If you do not have a health care provider and would like the RSV vaccine, please call Durham Health Connection Line at 905-668-2020 or 1-800-841-2729.
For more information about influenza, COVID-19 vaccines and RSV vaccines visit durham.ca/Flu, durham.ca/CovidVaccines, and durham.ca/RSV.
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For more information please contact the Health Department.
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