PREPARED BY: Immunization

DATE: 2026-09-24

Influenza (Flu) Vaccine

Through Ontario’s Universal Influenza Immunization Program, influenza vaccine is provided free each year to people aged six months and older who live, work, or attend school in Ontario. The WECHU receives vaccine from the Ontario Government Pharmacy and manages local distribution to approved providers across Windsor and Essex County.

Allocation considers provincial supply, client risk, previous use, storage capacity, and provider needs. Distribution generally begins in October, prioritizing providers serving people at higher risk before expanding to the general population. The WECHU also investigates and reports adverse events following immunization (AEFI).

COVID-19 Vaccine

The WECHU supports Ontario’s COVID-19 Immunization Program through local inventory and distribution, accurate provincial database documentation, and timely AEFI investigation and reporting.

COVID-19 vaccination remains strongly recommended for people at increased risk of exposure or severe illness, including older adults, residents of congregate settings, people with underlying medical conditions, pregnant individuals, and health care and other care providers. Provincial guidance may recommend more than one dose per year for some higher-risk individuals.

The WECHU supports access for high-risk populations through partnerships, mobile and in-house clinics, and targeted outreach. Community providers and pharmacies are encouraged to offer COVID-19 vaccine, with distribution expected to align with the UIIP in October.

RSV Immunization

Ontario’s RSV Prevention Program aims to reduce illness, hospitalization, and severe outcomes by offering immunization to eligible infants, high-risk children entering a second RSV season, pregnant individuals delivering during the season, adults aged 75 and older, and adults aged 60 to 74 at increased risk of severe illness.

The WECHU supports Ontario’s publicly funded RSV Prevention Program through inventory management and distribution, community provider support, immunization of eligible clients, and AEFI monitoring and reporting in accordance with Ministry guidance.

Eligible residents can access RSV immunization through primary care, hospitals, long-term care and retirement homes, pharmacies, and other community partners. Distribution will follow provincial timelines and product availability, and the WECHU will implement Ministry eligibility or program updates for the 2026–2027 season.

DISCUSSION

For the 2026–2027 seasonal vaccine program, the WECHU has completed 96.2% of inspections for UIIP-approved providers, covering 118 pharmacies and 16 agencies across WEC, and remains on track to complete more than 390 annual health care provider vaccine fridge inspections by year-end. Inspections include guidance and training on vaccine storage, handling, and administration.

The WECHU updates providers on vaccine availability, distribution timelines, product eligibility, ordering, and promotional materials, while reinforcing co-administration guidance for eligible individuals.

The WECHU is working with hospitals, primary care providers, pharmacies, congregate living facilities, and community partners to identify service gaps and increase uptake. Targeted clinics for priority and high-risk populations and general clinics for eligible WEC residents will supplement services available through primary care providers and pharmacies.

In addition, the WECHU will implement a comprehensive seasonal communications strategy to support Ministry direction to improve uptake among populations with lower seasonal vaccination rates.  Based on vaccination trends and local data showing lower vaccine confidence for seasonal vaccines, an increased emphasis will be placed on engaging families with young and school-aged children, adolescents, and younger and working-age adults. The communication strategy will also maintain outreach to older adults, pregnant individuals, people with chronic health conditions, and residents of congregate settings. Targeted outreach will also focus on health care workers, caregivers, and other frontline workers. Audience-specific messaging will be delivered through primary care providers, pharmacies, schools, workplaces, and community partners, supported by short videos and co-created content that addresses barriers, responds to vaccine concerns, and promotes available vaccination options.