Respiratory Illness

Who is Eligible and When?

• Early October: Residents and staff of long-term care homes, hospitalized individuals and hospital staff, followed by residents and staff in other congregate settings (e.g. retirement homes).
• Mid-October: High-risk individuals, including: 
  • Children between six (6) months and four (4) years old 
  • People in or from First Nations communities 
  • Pregnant women 
  • People aged 65 and older 
  • Health care workers and first responders 
  • Others at high risk of complications from the flu and/or COVID-19 
• Monday, Oct. 28: General public. 

Additional Information

Staying up to date with your vaccines is just one of the ways to protect yourself, your family, and your community this respiratory illness season. Remember to practice the basic actions that can help provide additional layers of protection. These basic actions include: 

• Staying up to date with immunizations, including COVID-19 and flu
• Staying home when you are sick and wear a mask until day 10 from symptom onset
• Practicing good hand hygiene and regularly cleaning surfaces
• Covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze
• Considering wearing a mask, particularly if you are at high risk
• If you are at high-risk, speak with your health care provider about antiviral treatment options in case you get sick
• Optimize indoor air quality and spend time outdoors if possible