Help keep everyone healthy during respiratory illness season

Respiratory illness season is here, and Durham Region Health Department is encouraging residents to protect themselves and their loved ones by getting free respiratory vaccines—now available across Durham Region.

Vaccination against respiratory illnesses 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.

Respiratory viruses like Respiratory Syncytial Virus, or RSV, influenza and COVID-19 can lead to serious illness.

This respiratory season, the province continues to expand access to the RSV vaccine. RSV is a common virus that can cause serious illness in infants and older adults.

Residents are also reminded to get their annual 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.

Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are now available for high-risk individuals. Starting October 27, flu and COVID-19 vaccines will be available for everyone six months and older. It is safe to receive the flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines at the same time.

For more information about influenza, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines visit durham.ca/Flu, durham.ca/CovidVaccines, and durham.ca/RSV. You can also call Durham Health Connection Line at 905-668-2020 or 1-800-841-2729.

Let’s keep Durham healthy this season.