(Thunder Bay, Ont) - The Thunder Bay District Health Unit (TBDHU) is reminding the public that all those aged 6 months and older who live, work, or go to school in Ontario are now eligible for a flu shot and the COVID-19 vaccine.
“Those who became eligible in early October but have not yet received their doses are strongly encouraged to get protected as soon as possible,” says Laura Dennis, Manager of the Vaccine Preventable Diseases program.
“This group includes older adults, pregnant individuals, young children, individuals with chronic medical conditions or weakened immune systems, and anyone caring for vulnerable individuals.”
Where to Get Vaccinated
- Ages 2 and older: The quickest and most convenient option is to book an appointment at a participating pharmacy.
- Children under 2: Must receive their vaccines through a health care provider or a TBDHU respiratory clinic.
The public can find a link to the provincial pharmacy locator and detailed information about TBDHU clinics at TBDHU.com/flucovidvax; information on district clinics is available at TBDHU.com/districtvaccines.
Convenient One-time Appointment for Multiple Vaccines
It is safe and convenient to receive multiple vaccines at the same time, including RSV and pneumococcal vaccines for those who are eligible. Learn more about eligibility for the RSV and pneumococcal vaccines: TBDHU.com/rsvvax and TBDHU.com/pneumo.
An RSV protective medication is available to infants born on or after April 1, 2026 and who are under 8 months old. The protective medication is not a vaccine. Families can book an appointment with their health care provider or in one of TBDHU’s infant RSV protection clinics at 999 Balmoral Street by using the online vaccine booking system at TBDHU.com/vaxclinic.
There is new research that supports the benefits of the flu shot beyond preventing flu, including lowering the risk of serious cardiovascular related events in adults with heart disease and lowering the risk of stroke and stroke-related hospitalization for all adults. Finally, for adults with diabetes, getting a flu shot may help reduce their overall risk of hospitalization and death.
Getting these free vaccines as soon as possible protects individuals and their vulnerable loved ones, reduces illness severity, and reduces strain on local health care systems.
Those with questions can reach out to their health care provider or call TBDHU; 807-625-5908 or their nearest branch office.
Quick Facts
- While immunization is one of the best ways to protect yourself and others from respiratory illness, there are additional steps you can take to help keep yourself, your friends, family and your community healthy, including washing your hands often, covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze, cleaning surfaces and shared items regularly and staying at home when sick.
- Talk to a health-care provider about co-administration of flu and COVID-19 vaccines, RSV and/or pneumococcal immunization you are eligible.
- The risk of severe outcomes from RSV infection is highest among infants under six months of age, as well as children under 24 months of age with health conditions such as chronic lung disease, congenital heart disease, weakened immune systems, or neuromuscular disorders.
- Older adults are also at increased risk of severe outcomes from RSV, especially those with certain chronic health conditions.
- Everyone should stay up to date on their immunizations, especially children. Talk to a health-care provider or your public health unit if you are unsure if your child has missed routine immunizations or if you are unsure about which immunizations they have received.
- Availability of immunizations may vary across providers. Call ahead to ensure your provider has supply before going.
Visit Health811 online or call 811 (TTY: 1-866-797-0007 toll free) for health advice and information 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Additional Resources
- To learn more about the flu shot, visit Ontario.ca/flu
- To learn more about Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), visit Ontario.ca/rsv
- To learn more about COVID-19, visit Ontario.ca/covidvaccines
- To learn about treatment for respiratory illness, visit ontario.ca/page/protection-respiratory-illnesses
- To find a pharmacy offering COVID-19 and flu vaccines, visit ontario.ca/vaccine-locations/
- Your Health: A Plan for Connected and Convenient Care
- Vaccines for Children at School
For more information:
TBDHU Media Line 807-625-7994 or news@tbdhu.com