Flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines
in South Georgian Bay
Vaccination is one of the best defenses against common respiratory viruses such as Influenza, COVID-19 and RSV. Choosing to get all the vaccines you are eligible for this fall will help protect both yourself and high risk individuals in our community.
Explore the drop downs below to learn more about each vaccine, who is eligible, and where you can receive each vaccine in South Georgian Bay.
For more information about respiratory virus vaccines or to discuss eligibility criteria, please visit the Health811 website or call 8-1-1 to speak with a registered nurse for free, secure and confidential health advice
Influenza (flu) vaccine
Why should I get this vaccine?
Influenza or “the flu” is often a mild respiratory illness for healthy individuals, however, it can cause serious complications and death in older adults, young children and those who are immunocompromised. It is important to get the flu shot even if you are healthy as you will be less likely to spread the virus to high-risk people. Additionally, it is important to get a flu vaccine each year as the flu viruses change over time.
When can I get this vaccine?
High risk individuals
Some people are at higher risk of serious illness from the flu. These groups can get the vaccine as soon as it’s available in the fall:
- Residents of long-term care homes, retirement homes, or other group living settings
- Adults 65 years and older
- Pregnant individuals
- Children 6 months to 4 years old
- First Nations, Metis, or Inuit individuals
- Anyone (6 months and older) with certain health conditions, such as:
- Heart or lung disease
- Diabetes or other metabolic conditions
- Cancer
- Kidney disease
- Weak immune system
- Anemia or blood disorders
- Neurological or developmental conditions
- Severe obesity (BMI of 40+)
- Children and youth on long-term ASA (Aspirin®) therapy
Flu shots are also offered early to:
- Staff and caregivers in group living settings
- Health care workers and first responders
- Members of underserved communities
- People with frequent contact with birds or mammals (high risk of exposure to certain influenza viruses)
General public
Anyone 6 months of age and older without contraindications is eligible for their free annual flu shot starting October 26, 2026.
Where can I get this vaccine in South Georgian Bay?
Participating pharmacies
Individuals 2 years of age and older and individuals without a valid Ontario Health Card can receive their vaccine at a participating pharmacy. Please click here to view a list of local participating pharmacies or contact your local pharmacy directly to see if they are offering flu vaccines this fall.
To book an appointment, please call your pharmacy or use one of the booking links below to book an appointment at Shoppers Drug Mart or Rexall.
Click here to book an appointment at Shoppers Drug Mart
Click here to book an appointment at Rexall
Primary healthcare providers (Family Doctor or Nurse Practitioner)
Some primary healthcare providers offer flu vaccines for individuals 6 months of age and older and early immunization for high-risk groups. Please check your providers website or call their office to see if they are offering flu vaccines this fall. If your provider is part of the Georgian Bay Family Health Team you can find their website and phone number by clicking here.ct Health UnitPu
Public Health Unit
Appointments available through routine immunization clinics ror children 6 months to under 2 years old who don’t have a family doctor or nurse practitioner or cannot find a local pharmacy to provide it.
COVID-19 vaccine and antiviral treatment
Why should I receive the COVID-19 vaccine?
All previously vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals, 6 months of age and older, are recommended to receive an updated vaccine this fall for additional protection against infection and severe COVID-19 disease.
When can I get the COVID-19 vaccine?
All previously vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals (6 months of age and older) are eligible to get the updated COVID-19 vaccine for free starting October 26, 2026.
If you’ve had the vaccine before, wait at least 3 months after your last dose.
If this is your first COVID-19 vaccine, the number of doses you need depends on your health and age. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about what series would be best for you and your family members.
People who are at higher risk should get the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as it’s available in the Fall:
- Adults 65 years and older
- All residents of long-term care or other group living settings
- People 6 months and older with weakened immune systems
- First Nations, Inuit, and Métis individuals:
- Anyone 55+ and their non-indigenous household members who are 55+
- All Community members under 55
- Pregnant individuals
- People in underserved communities
- Health care workers and other caregivers
- Children 6 months to 4 years old
- People who work closely with animals (farmers, slaughterhouse and processing plant workers, wildlife researchers, vets, etc.)
Where can I receive this vaccine in South Georgian Bay?
Participating Pharmacies
Please click here to view a list of local participating pharmacies or contact your local pharmacy directly to see if they are offering COVID-19 vaccines this fall.
Primary Healthcare Provider
Some primary healthcare providers in South Georgian Bay are providing COVID-19 vaccines to there patients. Please check your providers website or call their office to see if they are offering COVID-19 vaccines this fall. If your provider is part of the Georgian Bay Family Health Team you can find their website and phone number by clicking here
Who should use the antiviral treatment (PAXLOVID) for COVID-19?
PAXLOVID is an antiviral medication used in adults to treat mild to moderate coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in patients who:
- have a positive result from a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) viral test and
- who have a high risk of getting severe COVID-19, including hospitalization or death.
Where can I receive the antiviral treatment for COVID-19?
Participating Pharmacies
Participating pharmacies can prescribe and dispense PAXLOVID to eligible individuals. Please click here to view a list of local participating pharmacies or contact your local pharmacy directly to see if they are offering PAXLOVID.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine
Why should I receive this vaccine?
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of respiratory illness, particularly among infants, young children, and older adults, affecting the lungs and airways. Immunization is available to help prevent serious outcomes, such as hospitalization, caused by the virus.
In Canada, RSV season usually runs from November to April.
To learn more about RSV click here
Who is eligible for this vaccine?
RSV Vaccine for older adults
- All individuals aged 75 and older can get the RSV vaccine for free.
- Individuals aged 60 to 74 are also eligible to receive the vaccine for free if they are:
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- Living in long-term care, retirement homes, or similar settings
- Staying in hospital for long-term care (including complex care or transitional programs)
- On dialysis (hemodialysis or peritoneal)
- Living with glomerulonephritis (GN) and have a weakened immune system
- Solid organ transplant recipients
- Experiencing homelessness
- First Nations, Inuit, or Métis
- Hematopoietic stem cell recipients (within the past two years or who remain on immunosuppression).
- Individuals on home oxygen therapy or who require chronic oxygen therapy.
If you already had the RSV vaccine, you don’t need another dose right now.
Not eligible for free coverage?
- You can still get the RSV vaccine with a prescription from your doctor or nurse practitioner. Some private insurance may cover the cost.
RSV Vaccine for Pregnant People
Abrysvo™ is available for pregnant people (given at 28-36 weeks if delivery will be during RSV season).
It is important to note that Beyfortus for newborns is recommended over prenatal vaccination as it is more effective. Pregnant individuals are encouraged to speak with their prenatal care provider about this option.
RSV Protection for Infants and High-Risk Children
Beyfortus® (RSV antibody) is available for:
- All babies born on or after April 1, 2026, who are less than 8 months old during RSV season.
- High-risk children under 2 years old, including those with:
- Chronic lung disease (like bronchopulmonary dysplasia)
- Serious heart disease (requiring surgery, medication, or with pulmonary hypertension)
- Severe immune system problems
- Down syndrome/Trisomy 21
- Cystic fibrosis with repeated lung infections or poor growth
- Neuromuscular conditions or airway problems that make it hard to clear mucus
Where can I receive this vaccine in South Georgian Bay?
Primary healthcare provider
Please book an appointment with your primary healthcare provider.
Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit
If you don’t have a primary care provider, you can book through your local public health unit online.
Participating Pharmacies
High risk individuals age 50-59 and all individuals age 60+ who do not meet the above criteria can purchase and receive a RSV vaccine at a participating pharmacy WITH a prescription from their primary healthcare provider. Pharmacies cannot administer publicly funded RSV vaccines. Please click here to view a list of local participating pharmacies or contact your local pharmacy directly to see if they are offering RSV vaccines.