Ajax residents are being urged to get their free respiratory vaccines as illness season gets underway in Durham Region.
The Durham Region Health Department announced this week that flu and COVID-19 vaccines are now available to everyone six months of age and older, while a expanded group of residents — including infants, older adults and pregnant individuals — can also receive protection against Respiratory Syncytial Virus, or RSV, at no charge, according to a Region of Durham news release.
RSV is a common virus that can cause serious illness in infants and older adults. This season, all adults 75 and older are recommended to get the RSV vaccine, along with people between 60 and 74 who meet certain high-risk criteria.
Infants born April 1, 2026 or later who are under eight months old are eligible for the RSV vaccine, as are high-risk children up to 24 months of age. Pregnant individuals may also receive the vaccine to help protect their babies at birth.
The Region says the flu shot and an updated COVID-19 vaccine, which targets currently circulating variants, are safe and proven to lower the risk of infection, serious illness, hospitalization and death. It is safe to receive the flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines at the same time.
Respiratory viruses can lead to serious illness especially in our youngest children, older adults and those with underlying health conditions. Vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to protect yourself and your family. We strongly encourage everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated this season.
Dr. Pepi McTavish, Durham Region Associate Medical Officer of Health, offered that advice in the release.
Where to get vaccinated
Durham residents can get the flu and COVID-19 vaccines at select health care providers and participating pharmacies. A list of pharmacy locations is available at ontario.ca/vaccine-locations.
For those unable to access vaccination through a provider or pharmacy, the Health Department is offering a limited number of respiratory vaccine appointments. Booking is available at durhamvaccinebooking.ca, or by calling the Durham Health Connection Line at 905-668-2020 or 1-800-841-2729.
More information
Details about the vaccines are posted at durham.ca/Flu, durham.ca/CovidVaccines and durham.ca/RSV.
With respiratory viruses typically spreading more easily as people move indoors through the fall and winter, health officials say staying up to date on vaccinations is one of the simplest steps Ajax households can take to avoid serious illness and keep emergency rooms from being strained during the busy season ahead.
