SIMCOE MUSKOKA – Influenza (flu) and COVID-19 vaccines are becoming available for people at higher risk of serious illness from these viruses. Long-term care homes and hospitals are receiving the vaccine now to protect those most at risk. Pharmacies and primary care providers will be receiving vaccine in mid-October. Check with your pharmacy or health-care provider to learn when vaccines are available and when you are eligible to receive them.
SIMCOE MUSKOKA – Influenza (flu) and COVID-19 vaccines are becoming available for people at higher risk of serious illness from these viruses. Long-term care homes and hospitals are receiving the vaccine now to protect those most at risk. Pharmacies and primary care providers will be receiving vaccine in mid-October. Check with your pharmacy or health-care provider to learn when vaccines are available and when you are eligible to receive them.
Beginning Oct. 26, flu and COVID-19 vaccines will be available 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 vaccines become available to them.
The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine is also available for eligible adults aged 75 and older, as well as some high-risk adults aged 60 to 74. The vaccine 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.
