This autumn’s updated COVID-19 vaccine is available now for people at higher risk of serious health problems, and on Oct. 28 for the general public, according to Ontario’s Ministry of Health.
That province’s latest update on its COVID vaccine page recommends everyone age six months and up get these free new doses.
They’re designed to protect against the JN.1 and KP.2 strains, according to the national vaccine committee, which are different than the XBB strains of last year.
Guidance varies based on people’s age, vaccination history and infection recency.
For example, people who’ve had a previous COVID vaccine more than six months ago, who haven’t had COVID in the last six months and who aren’t at higher risk can get their vaccine starting Oct. 28.
People at a higher risk of health problems from infection have early access, including those over 65, those who are pregnant, those living in congregate care or who are members of an equity-seeking community.
Those with compromised immune systems should talk to a health-care worker to come up with a personal plan, the ministry says.
People five and up who have not been vaccinated and who aren’t immunocompromised only need one vaccine dose.
There are options for people who don’t have an Ontario health card and who got vaccinated outside of Ontario. Quebec has not updated its COVID vaccine plan for this autumn.
In the Ottawa area
Ottawa Public Health (OPH) says vaccines are available for higher-risk people at some pharmacies and health clinics.
Booking through the provincial system starts Wednesday, Oct. 9, for appointments starting Tuesday, Oct. 15, at health unit hubs and clinics. OPH hubs will have some drop-in vaccines available starting Oct. 15.
COVID levels are seen as mostly very high in Ottawa and the respiratory illness risk to the city has been high since early July. OPH recommends staying home when sick, washing hands and surfaces often, and wearing masks.
Other health units sharing details of the autumn COVID vaccine campaign include Leeds, Grenville and Lanark counties, Renfrew County and the Kingston area.
What about flu and RSV?
Ontario’s free flu shot campaign will open to the general public on Oct. 28. Like COVID vaccines, there is some earlier availability for priority groups.
In Ottawa, for example, OPH said health clinics should start getting this year’s vaccines this week, and pharmacies next week. Clinics and hubs will start offering these vaccines to eligible people on Oct. 21.
The Eastern Ontario Health Unit is starting to open appointments.
Quebec’s free flu vaccine campaign is underway and appointment booking open.
There are free respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) treatments and vaccines for certain groups in Ontario and Quebec.