Keep vaccines up to date this holiday season, says Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health

By Dr. Kieran Moore
Chief Medical Officer of Health
Province of Ontario

With the holiday season fast approaching, it's important to take all necessary precautions to keep yourself and your loved ones healthy, including by ensuring your vaccines are up to date. Respiratory illness season typically begins in the fall and lasts through the winter months, when colder weather and indoor gatherings make it easier for viruses to spread. This includes several common viruses such as influenza (flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID-19.

Currently, COVID-19 and RSV activity remain low in Ontario, but flu season is officially here, and cases are steadily increasing. The flu shot remains one of the most effective ways to protect ourselves from influenza. Each year, the vaccine is designed to cover multiple strains. Getting vaccinated reduces your risk of catching the flu and, most importantly, lowers the chance of severe illness, hospitalization and serious complications.

Flu and COVID-19 shots are already available across Ontario ¹ for people 6 months and older at participating pharmacies, doctor and nurse practitioner offices or public health units. RSV immunization is also available for eligible groups, including adults aged 75 and older, infants and pregnant women. Those at higher risk of severe illness are especially encouraged to get vaccinated early.

Influenza activity is expected to peak as early as mid-December in some regions. As the vaccine takes about two weeks to reach full effectiveness, getting vaccinated now will help ensure you are protected when virus circulation is at its highest, while also reducing the spread of illness and protecting those most at risk. If you or a loved one are at higher risk for severe illness, you should talk to your health-care provider now to plan for testing and treatment.

As the holidays approach, let's all remember the simple steps that make a big difference: wash your hands, cover coughs and sneezes, clean shared surfaces regularly, and stay home if you are sick.

1. https://u32956855.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u00 1.2IfI6TxC8-2FSlD5Hi-2FcHX91rwUjMjZg5hqo0FRxqvnO7J VEZQi5uzhFtb8n3jng-2FKQPVrT1YIFht7FLPZYAM9V7Co78aI gzI-2BA69JeBmdbxSfh-2Bio4UomOMANQqcxeGH1-2Bfv19XvN yCtwmUfBag431muJGavvv3qyz-2BrseJMatFmless9IL4rwRHw FSRwyxEYG9MSyqxvspH3N1Tjfmfa2O2gDORdMnjgzZpsR1b8NA 58b0xBQ55TdHOAepg-2B7IZz6-2Bw1-2F7NgMBa7QPT2P-2Bb4 Qv9RHfokzPe2XQqwNYxUOg8qxi1meZN-2FvXhxagIIiCfLWEJa yefo9BOFwrx06-2BsnAQ-3D-3Det6M_l60gIPcoRQ5DvW6tUkL 8kWlRUjbjPzIST-2F9ugdSN8ZXw6S4Dd-2B83Kvs3-2FR79-2F VvgLzVNPU0CtEzjrJ3tYF0r7tlShsmmtBS5-2F3VKQ6Puavjfa QBf4MzX70pVwLyujGnBgw1HKmz3qDVhEqCOV-2Fsj-2BeJjuy- 2FJ2fSdRHB8iGa2CYnW3FnFLYBRRUIeCrJigo132BIY0yTrzDQ 4x70hWZI-2FC2BG-2BZk0ndWEtGyuy4bxykntNINeAuumJ7pNC KYrt91NXo0c7bHuIeHOCZerwZ2cbAEQvYXRhezwbdWSu0-2BpC Vgcb9KVWsn9k1Kbl8B2nbtmkpBbT0Xqaxyp7gmHjkVytA-3D-3 D