FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Wednesday, October 21, 2026 | 10:30 a.m. | Windsor-Essex County
The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) is encouraging residents to get their flu and COVID-19 vaccines as soon as they become available and to receive a respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) immunization if eligible. Staying up to date on recommended immunizations is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of serious illness and help protect families and communities during respiratory illness season.
Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are now available to high-risk and priority populations. Starting October 26, 2026, anyone six months of age and older who lives, works, or goes to school in Ontario can receive both vaccines free of charge. High-risk and priority populations include hospitalized patients and hospital staff, residents and staff in long-term care homes, retirement homes and other congregate settings, adults aged 65 and older, health care workers, first responders, and staff and care providers in congregate living settings.
RSV Eligibility
Ontario’s RSV Prevention Program provides free RSV vaccines year-round to adults aged 75 and older and to adults aged 60 to 74 who meet specific high-risk criteria. Starting October 1, 2026, eligible infants born on or after April 1, 2026, who are under eight months old, as well as certain high-risk children under 24 months, can receive the RSV monoclonal antibody nirsevimab (Beyfortus®). People who are 28 to 36 weeks pregnant and expect to give birth near the start of or during RSV season can speak with their health care provider about receiving the RSV vaccine Abrysvo® to help protect their infant after birth. For most infants, either immunization during pregnancy or nirsevimab (Beyfortus®) is recommended, rather than both.
Talk to your primary health care provider about your eligibility and the most appropriate RSV immunization option. As availability may vary by provider, it is best to call ahead before visiting. For more information or to book an appointment at the health unit, call 519‑258‑2146 ext. 1121.
Don’t Wait — Get Protected Now
Immunization helps reduce the risk of severe illness, complications, and hospitalization. Staying up to date also helps protect family members and others in the community who may be at higher risk, while reducing pressure on the health care system during respiratory illness season.
Flu and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same appointment. Eligible adults may also be able to receive an RSV vaccine at the same visit; talk to a health care provider about what is recommended for you. To receive flu and COVID-19 vaccines, contact your primary health care provider or a participating local pharmacy, and call ahead to confirm availability. Find a participating pharmacy at www.ontario.ca/vaccine-locations.
In addition, the WECHU will be offering seasonal immunizations clinics, with weekend availability, to all residents by appointment. To book an appointment, visit the WECHU's webpage or call 519-258-2146 ext. 1121.
For free health advice and information 24 hours a day, seven days a week, visit Health811 online or call 811 (TTY: 1‑866‑797‑0007).