Influenza (flu) and COVID-19 vaccines are available as of today, Oct. 26, to the general public through participating pharmacies and health-care providers. The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) encourages everyone to get vaccinated as soon as they are able.
Getting immunized against the flu and COVID-19 is the best way to protect yourself during respiratory illness season. The flu vaccine is available to everyone two years and older and the COVID-19 vaccine to people six months and older at most pharmacies. You can also get both vaccines at the same visit.
Eligible adults aged 75 and older, as well as some high-risk adults aged 60 to 74 can also receive the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine, that helps protect against another respiratory virus that often spreads in the fall. Only one dose is needed, and it can be given any time. People who have not yet received the RSV vaccine are encouraged to talk to their health-care provider.
Babies born after April 1 who are still eight months old or younger, as well as some high-risk children up to 24 months of age, can also be protected against RSV. Those born on or after Oct. 1 will receive an RSV monoclonal antibody called Beyfortus shortly after birth, before leaving the hospital. Families of babies born before Oct. 1 should ask their baby’s health-care provider about receiving this important protection.
Help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses by staying home when you are sick, washing your hands regularly, cleaning high-touch surfaces and wearing a well-fitted mask in indoor public settings, especially if you are at higher risk of serious illness. These simple actions can help protect you and others from getting sick.
The health unit encourages people to check the Weekly Respiratory Virus Update, understand their risk, and take simple steps to help protect themselves and those around them.
For more information about respiratory illnesses and immunization, visit smdhu.org.
