SIMCOE MUSKOKA – As we settle into fall, cases of common colds, COVID-19, seasonal influenza (flu) and other respiratory viruses begin to increase. The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) urges everyone to get immunized for flu and COVID-19. These free vaccines are available as of today—Monday, Oct. 27—from participating local pharmacies and some health care providers.  

Getting immunized early in the season helps maximize your protection against serious illness, especially during the winter months when respiratory viruses circulate the most. Young children, older adults, and those with underlying medical conditions are at increased risk of serious illness from these respiratory viruses. Along with getting immunized, there are simple and effective steps you can take to protect yourself and those around you:

• Stay home if you're feeling unwell with any symptoms of a respiratory illness. Keep children home from school or child care if they’re sick.
• Avoid non-essential visits to hospitals, long-term care homes, or retirement residences if you’re not feeling well.
• Wash your hands frequently and clean high-touch surfaces regularly.
• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
• Consider wearing a well-fitted medical mask in indoor public spaces, especially if you're at higher risk of severe illness.
• If you’re sick, wear a mask in all public settings for 10 days after your symptoms begin (note: masks are not recommended for children under 2 years).

Parents and caregivers of children 6 months up to 5 years old who do not have a family doctor or nurse practitioner or who cannot find a local pharmacy to provide the flu shot or COVID-19 vaccine may make an appointment at one of the health unit’s immunization clinics.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine is also available this season for older adults 75 years and older, and some adults 60 through 74 years of age who meet specific high-risk criteria and have not received the vaccine before.

RSV protection is also available for babies up to 8 months old during their first RSV season and some high-risk young children up to 24 months of age. Beyfortus will be offered to all babies born after Oct. 1 prior to hospital discharge at birth, and those born before Oct. 1 can access through their family doctor or if they do not have a family doctor at a health unit immunization clinic

RSV vaccine is available for pregnant people if their baby will not be receiving Beyfortus. Pregnant people can discuss RSV vaccine with the health care provider.

Want weekly information on local respiratory virus activity? The Weekly Respiratory Virus Update, is an interactive data dashboard, updated every Tuesday, summarizing the most recent week’s influenza, COVID-19, and RSV activity. It provides an overview of circulating respiratory viruses in Simcoe Muskoka and, when available, across Ontario.

For more information about respiratory illnesses and vaccination, visit smdhu.org or contact the health unit at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520, weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.