Protect your plans! Get vaccinated against respiratory viruses this fall
Respiratory illness season is almost here. Public Health Sudbury & Districts is encouraging everyone to get vaccinated this fall to help protect against influenza (flu), COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Respiratory viruses circulate more widely during the fall and winter and can cause serious illness, hospitalization, and even death. Older adults, infants and young children, pregnant individuals, and people with certain medical conditions may be at greater risk.
You have plans this fall. Don’t let respiratory illness get in the way!
said Dr. Mustafa Hirji, Medical Officer of Health with Public Health Sudbury & Districts. You’re looking forward to holiday gatherings, social events, and time with loved ones. Getting vaccinated will help protect your health, and the health of those close to you, keeping your plans on track.
Where to get vaccinated
Public Health is offering COVID-19 and flu vaccine appointments to everyone six months of age and older. RSV vaccine appointments are also available to eligible individuals, including infants, high-risk children, and older adults. You can also get your respiratory vaccines through many health care providers and participating pharmacies (Ministry of Health).
Community vaccination clinics
This year, Public Health is piloting drop-in vaccination clinics across the service area, making it easier for residents to get vaccinated close to home. Residents are encouraged to use these convenient local opportunities to get their free COVID-19 and flu vaccines. RSV vaccines will also be available to eligible older adults. No appointments are required. Visit the Public Health website for community clinic dates and locations.
Protecting our communities this season
Vaccination is one of the best ways to prevent respiratory illness. To further protect yourself and others from infection, Public Health encourages you to
- Stay home if ill until symptoms are improving for 24 hours (48 hours if gastrointestinal) and no fever is present. In addition, wear a mask for a total of 10 days after symptom onset.
- Improve the ventilation in indoor spaces by keeping windows open, when possible, and having heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems set to “on” rather than “auto.”
- Consider wearing a well-fitted mask, especially in crowded or poorly ventilated public settings.
- Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly for at least 15 to 20 seconds.
- Follow any requirements for masking or other protective measures in hospitals, long-term care homes, and other health care spaces.
- Check the Respiratory Illness Surveillance Dashboard for weekly updates on cases, outbreaks, and hospital activity related to influenza, COVID-19, and RSV.
For more information about respiratory vaccines or to book your appointment, call Public Health at 705.522.9200 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200).