The Thunder Bay District Health Unit (TBDHU) has launched the annual fall vaccine campaign. The main message: get vaccinated early. Vaccines provide both individual and community protection against respiratory illnesses such as flu, COVID-19, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and pneumococcal disease. They also reduce the risk of severe illness and hospital stays.
“Staying up-to-date on seasonal vaccines is an effective action that each and every one of us can take," says Dr. Greg Holzman, Acting Medical Officer of Health. "When more people are vaccinated, viruses have a harder time spreading from person to person. This protects the most vulnerable in our community, some of whom cannot be vaccinated, including infants under 6 months."
Holzman continues, “Public health is rooted in prevention. By staying up to date with the vaccines available to you and your family and choosing to stay home if feeling unwell, we can drastically reduce severe illness and reduce the strain on local healthcare systems."
Flu and COVID-19
Early vaccination against flu and COVID-19 is key and appointments are underway for high-risk and priority groups. These include those at higher risk of severe illness, and those who work with them (e.g. health care providers and family members). All other residents become eligible on October 26. All vaccines are free for those who live, work or learn in Ontario. See TBDHU.com/flucovidvax for a list of high-risk and priority groups.
Health care providers, long-term care facilities, retirement homes, assisted living homes for seniors and hospitals have begun to stock COVID-19 and flu vaccines as of October 1. Pharmacies will receive their supply in mid-October.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
An RSV vaccine is also available for eligible adults. One dose is recommended for adults 75 years and older. The vaccine is also available for those 60 to 74, who meet the criteria listed at TBDHU.com/rsvvax. The RSV vaccine can be safely given at the same time as the flu and COVID-19 vaccines, making for one convenient appointment. It is not currently available at pharmacies.
An RSV infection can be severe for infants. Ontario offers a medication called Beyfortus to infants born after April 1, 2026 and up to eight months of age in their first RSV season. It is not a vaccine. It is an antibody medication that provides immediate immunity to prevent illness. Children at higher risk of severe RSV illness (up to 24 months of age in their second RSV season) can also receive Beyfortus after a consult with a health care provider. Pregnant people have the option to receive an RSV vaccine called Abrysvo from their health care provider to help protect their infant at birth (see TBDHU.com/rsvvax).
"RSV is a leading cause of infant hospitalization in Canada, but it is highly preventable,” says Dr. Jazmyn Balfour-Boehm. “The Ontario prevention program is free, and can lower the risk of hospitalization by about 80%. As a paediatrician, I am grateful to stand alongside TBDHU in encouraging families across our district to take this important step to help protect their children and keep them healthy this fall and winter."
Pneumococcal Disease
TBDHU strongly recommends that people speak with their health care provider about the pneumococcal vaccine. Cases of invasive pneumococcal diseases are on the rise in the city and district of Thunder Bay in recent years. The best protection is the vaccine. The vaccine is available to anyone 65 and older and those between 18 and 64 with certain medical conditions as listed at TBDHU.com/pneumo.
TBDHU Clinics
Clinics for high-risk people (see TBDHU.com/flucovidvax for list) start in October; general public clinics begin in November. The clinics are by appointment only.
http://www.tbdhu.com/vaxclinics
- October schedule for high-risk people: Thursday, October 15 at the Oliver Road Community Centre AND Thursday, October 22 at the Superior Inn.
- November schedule open to everyone eligible: Thursday, November 6 at the Davinci Centre, Thursday, November 12 at the Oliver Road Community Centre, Friday, November 20 at the Davinci Centre and Wednesday, December 2 at the Oliver Road Community Centre.
- Infant RSV Protection Clinics will also be available at TBDHU main office at 999 Balmoral Street for infants who require RSV protection.
For info about vaccines in rural communities in the district of Thunder Bay visit TBDHU.com/districtvaccines
Questions can be directed to 807-625-5908 or to the nearest branch office (TBDHU.com/contact).