Influenza (flu) Vaccine

The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) plays a key role in the implementation of the Ministry of Health’s Universal Influenza Immunization Program (UIIP) which offers influenza vaccine free of charge each year to all individuals six months of age and older who live, work, or attend school in Ontario. 

Under the UIIP, local supply of influenza vaccine is received by public health units from the Ontario Government Pharmacy (OGP) in predetermined increments dependent on provincial vaccine availability. The WECHU is responsible for the management and distribution of influenza vaccine to health care providers and facilities in the community. Allocation to providers is based on a variety of factors such as doses available for Windsor-Essex County (WEC) residents, number of clients to be served, past usage by the provider, available fridge space, the proportion of high-risk clients the provider is responsible for, etc. Community Vaccine Providers (e.g., primary care providers, hospitals, long-term care homes and retirement homes) start receiving influenza vaccine from the WECHU annually in October for administration to eligible high-risk clients; then vaccine is distributed to providers for administration to the general population. The WECHU also oversees timely investigation and reporting of adverse events following immunization (AEFI).

COVID-19 Vaccine

The WECHU plays a central role in supporting the COVID-19 Immunization Program. The WECHU oversees local vaccine inventory management and distribution, accurate documentation in the provincial immunization database, and timely investigation and reporting of adverse events following immunization (AEFI).

To more closely match circulating strains, a new updated COVID-19 vaccine formulation will be available this fall that targets the SARS-CoV-2 sub lineage LP.8.1. Individuals six months and older are eligible to receive their annual COVID-19 vaccine, while certain high-risk groups are recommended to receive two doses each year (six months apart). The WECHU’s specifically focuses on protection for high-risk populations by reducing barriers to vaccine access through partnerships, mobile and in-house clinics, and targeted outreach. Community Immunization Providers and Pharmacies participating in the annual UIIP are encouraged to also provide COVID-19 vaccines to enhance access across WEC. COVID-19 vaccine distribution to Community Vaccine Providers is expected to align with the UIIP in October.

RSV Vaccine

The WECHU plays a key role in supporting the provincial publicly funded Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Immunization Program to protect high-risk and vulnerable populations in WEC. Guided by the Ontario Ministry of Health, the WECHU oversees RSV vaccine inventory management, distribution to community providers, and the monitoring of AEFI.

The RSV Immunization Program aims to reduce RSV-related illness, hospitalizations, and severe outcomes. RSV eligibility in Ontario includes high-risk infants and children, as well as adults aged 75 and older, and certain high-risk adults 60-74 years old (e.g., long-term care residents, transplant recipients, and people experiencing homelessness). Infants born during or entering their first RSV season are eligible, along with high-risk children in their second season.  The WECHU interventions aim to increase access to immunization services for priority populations. RSV vaccine distribution to community providers is expected in early October. 

DISCUSSION

In preparation for the 2025-2026 seasonal vaccine program, the WECHU has completed 100% of vaccine fridge inspections for providers approved to participate in the UIIP (118 pharmacies and 16 agencies across all WEC municipalities) and are on track to complete all annual healthcare provider vaccine fridge inspections by the end of the year (over 370). As part of the vaccine fridge inspection process, the WECHU provides education and training to staff on vaccine storage and handling and administration best practices.

The WECHU provides ongoing communication to all vaccine providers about the timelines for vaccine availability and distribution, vaccine product information, ordering information, and promotional materials. The WECHU is reinforcing the Ministry’s guidance to offer co-administration of seasonal vaccines for eligible individuals.

To support widespread availability of respiratory vaccines in our community, the WECHU is working collaboratively with many community partners, including hospitals, operators of congregate living facilities, and primary care, to identify service gaps (e.g., infants and children) and opportunities to increase vaccine uptake. The WECHU will be offering seasonal vaccine clinics for prioritized populations and high-risk individuals.

The WECHU will be running a communication campaign from October to December to raise awareness of the importance of getting vaccinated, especially for individuals who are part of a high-risk group. Targeted, organic social media ads and print materials, and articles will be developed to communicate key messages. In addition, the WECHU will be developing and implementing a joint communications campaign with key partner such as all 3 hospitals, OHT, Essex County Medical Society, EMS, Municipalities and the Ministry of Long-Term Care to encourage all health care workers in WEC to get seasonal vaccines.