Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is encouraging residents to protect themselves and their loved ones this respiratory illness season by receiving recommended vaccines. Starting Monday, October 26, COVID-19 and flu vaccines will be available to everyone aged six months and older who lives, works or attends school in Ontario. Vaccination is the most effective way to reduce the risk of severe illness, complications and hospitalization from respiratory viruses.
Respiratory viruses, including influenza (flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and COVID-19, increase in circulation each fall and winter and can lead to serious illness, complications and hospitalizations, particularly among those at higher risk.
During the 2025-26 season, there was a sharp increase in influenza cases and hospitalizations among children, highlighting how quickly influenza can spread and the importance of getting vaccinated early.
COVID-19 and influenza (flu) vaccines
People can receive their COVID-19 and flu vaccines through their primary care provider, where available, or at participating pharmacies for those aged two years and older. Many pharmacies offer both walk-in services and appointments. OPH encourages people to contact their primary care provider or book an appointment with their pharmacy, and to call ahead to confirm vaccine availability. COVID-19 and flu vaccines can be safely received during the same appointment.
OPH will be offering COVID-19 and flu vaccines to eligible populations who face barriers to accessing vaccination through a pharmacy or their primary care provider. Eligible groups include newcomers without OHIP and children under age five and their household members. Please visit our flu and COVID-19 webpages for additional information on clinic eligibility and how to book an appointment.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common virus that affects the lungs and airways. While RSV usually causes mild illness, it is more likely to result in serious complications in infants, children under 24 months with certain medical conditions, and older adults. Vaccines and other immunization options are available to help prevent severe illness and hospitalization caused by RSV.
Ontario’s RSV Prevention Program
As of October 1, 2026, the following individuals are eligible for provincially funded RSV immunization:
- Infants and High-risk children. There are two options available to help protect infants and high-risk children from RSV:
- Infants born on or after April 1, 2026, who are less than eight months of age, and children up to 24 months of age who are at increased risk of severe RSV illness, are eligible to receive the RSV monoclonal antibody. It can be given through birthing hospitals, primary care providers, and pediatricians.
- A vaccine in pregnancy is also available to individuals between 28 and 36 weeks gestation who are expected to deliver near the start of, or during, the RSV season. Pregnant individuals seeking vaccination should speak to their primary care provider. For most infants, either maternal RSV vaccination during pregnancy or the infant RSV monoclonal antibody product is recommended, but not both.
- Older adults: All adults aged 75 years and older as well as adults aged 60 to 74 years who meet specific high-risk criteria are eligible to receive the RSV vaccine. Individuals who have previously received the RSV vaccine do not need to be immunized again this year. Eligible residents are encouraged to contact their primary care provider to receive the RSV vaccine. Currently, pharmacies do not administer RSV immunizations as part of Ontario’s publicly funded immunization program.
Eligible individuals who are unable to receive RSV immunization through their primary care provider may be able to access it through Ottawa Public Health (OPH). Please visit the OPH website for eligibility criteria and booking information.
Reducing the spread of respiratory illness
Although vaccines offer the best protection against severe respiratory illness, simple measures can help reduce the spread of viruses like washing your hands often, avoiding touching your face, covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, disinfecting high-touch surfaces and wearing a mask. If possible, stay home when sick and avoid visiting people at high risk of severe illness, including those in hospitals, long-term care or retirement homes.
To learn more about respiratory viruses, vaccine availability, managing symptoms and where and when to seek care, visit OttawaPublicHealth.ca/RespVirus. OPH also shares updates on its social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Bluesky.