Immunizations

Fall 2023 Vaccine Availability

The Thunder Bay District Health Unit receives vaccine administration guidance and vaccine supply from the provincial Ministry of Health. This table summarizes current information about COVID, flu, and RSV vaccine availability for Fall 2023. It will be updated as more information is released by the Ministry.

The links provide additional information about each vaccine. 

Before going to any clinic, pharmacy or a health care provider, book an appointment or call ahead to make sure they have the vaccine(s) you want.

Vaccine(s) Eligible People Availability 

COVID-19
Flu 

It is safe to receive both at the same time. 
 

Specific priority groups, including:
  • Residents and staff of long-term care homes
  • People over the age of 65
  • People with certain chronic illnesses
  • Indigenous people
  • Pregnant people

See COVID-19 Vaccines and Getting a Flu Shot for a list of all priority groups and recommended timing since last dose/infection.

September 28: Distribution of XBB and flu vaccines starts, beginning with  hospitals and long-term care homes.

 

October 3: TBDHU’s Community Vaccine Clinic reopens by appointment only to offer XBB vaccines. Those with a COVID vaccine appointment will also be offered a flu shot. The clinic will offer only Moderna XBB vaccines at first; TBDHU will update once Pfizer XBB supply received. 

 

Week of October 9: Distribution of flu vaccines starts for pharmacies. Pharmacies will only be receiving the Pfizer XBB vaccine (distribution start date unknown). 

  General Population

Bivalent COVID-19 vaccines are currently available, but XBB COVID-19 vaccines are recommended for Fall 2023.

 

XBB COVID-19 and flu vaccines available October 30.
 

RSV Specific people: 
  • 60 years and older AND living in long-term care homes or Elder Care Lodges
  • Some retirement home residents
Vaccine availability yet to be confirmed. 

 

Immunization and You

Ontario's Immunization Schedule

Ontario offers FREE vaccines to residents based on the Immunization Schedule. To learn what vaccines are available across the lifespan, visit the Ministry of Health webpage. All vaccines on the schedule are available through the Health Unit's immunization clinics.

Vaccine Preventable Diseases

More information about diseases and the vaccines that help prevent them can be found on the Ministry of Health’s Fact Sheets and Patient Tools webpage, and at Immunize.ca.

Get Your COVID and Flu Shots!

Both COVID-19 and influenza (or “the flu”) can lead to serious medical conditions and even death. Yearly vaccinations help reduce your risk of getting the flu. Staying up to date on COVID and flu vaccines can help reduce your risk of getting these diseases. And if you do get these diseases, being vaccinated can help make you less sick. Please visit our COVID-19 Vaccines page and ThunderBayFlu.ca for more information. 

 

For Further Information

Call the Vaccine Preventable Disease program: (807) 625-5900 or Toll-Free 1 (888) 294-6630.

Last Updated: 28/09/2023