Monday, October 26, 2026
Ontario Providing Free Flu and COVID-19 Vaccines Across the Province
Flu and COVID-19 immunizations are now available to the general public
To protect Ontario families and communities during respiratory illness season, everyone six months and older can now receive their free flu and COVID-19 vaccines at participating pharmacies, public health units and doctor and nurse practitioner offices across Ontario.
“Getting immunized is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself, your loved ones and our communities,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “You can help prevent serious illness, reduce the spread of respiratory viruses and keep Ontario healthy this fall and winter with our free, safe and effective vaccines available across the province.”
Staying up-to-date with your routine and recommended immunizations is the best way to protect yourself and your community this fall and winter. Getting both the COVID-19 and the flu vaccines at the same time is safe and recommended to avoid multiple trips to a health-care provider.
The adult RSV immunizations, Abrysvo® or Arexvy, are also available and recommended to everyone 75 years of age and older, building on the government’s expansion of the RSV prevention programs that also include:
- Certain high-risk adults aged 60 to 74, such as residents of long-term care homes or retirement homes
- Infants up to eight months of age born on or after April 1, 2026
- High-risk children less than 24 months of age
Pregnant women also have the option to receive the RSV vaccine Abrysvo®, which can help provide protection to infants at birth.
“With flu and COVID-19 vaccines now available across the province for everyone, there is no better time to get protected,” said Dr. Kieran Moore, Chief Medical Officer of Health. “Vaccination helps reduce the risk of severe illness and hospitalization, particularly for older adults and other vulnerable populations. I encourage Ontarians to get vaccinated as soon as possible to help keep themselves and their loved ones healthy this season.”
Vaccines in Ontario’s routine immunization schedule are provided free of charge if you meet the eligibility criteria. If you are unsure about which immunizations you or your family have received or are eligible for, talk to a health-care provider or your local public health unit.
Through Your Health: A Plan for Connected and Convenient Care, the Ontario government is providing people with the tools they need early to connect to the care they need to keep themselves and their loved ones safe and healthy.
Quick Facts:
- While immunization is one of the best ways to protect yourself and others from respiratory illness, there are additional steps you can take to help keep yourself, your friends, family and your community healthy, including washing your hands often, covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze, cleaning surfaces and shared items regularly and staying at home when sick.
- Talk to a health-care provider about co-administration of flu and COVID-19 vaccines and RSV immunization if you are eligible.
- The risk of severe outcomes from RSV infection is highest among infants under six months of age, as well as children under 24 months of age with health conditions such as chronic lung disease, congenital heart disease, weakened immune systems, or neuromuscular disorders.
- Older adults are also at increased risk of severe outcomes from RSV, especially those with certain chronic health conditions.
- Everyone should stay up to date on their immunizations, especially children. Talk to a health-care provider or your public health unit if you are unsure if your child has missed routine immunizations or if you are unsure about which immunizations they have received.
- Availability of immunizations may vary across providers. Call ahead to ensure your provider has supply before going.
- Visit Health811 online or call 811 (TTY: 1-866-797-0007 toll free) for health advice and information 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Additional Resources:
Media Contacts:
Lily Barnes
Minister Jones’ Office
Lily.Barnes@ontario.ca
Media Relations
Communications Branch
media.moh@ontario.ca
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