Upcoming COVID-19, Flu, and RSV Vaccines: Who Qualifies
As colder months approach, health officials are urging eligible residents to take advantage of walk-in vaccination opportunities across several local communities. The Health Unit has announced a fall schedule focused on high-risk populations who are most vulnerable to severe outcomes from COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Where and When: The Fall Community Clinic Schedule
The Health Unit will visit community hubs this fall, offering vaccines without the need for an appointment for those at higher risk and without a primary care provider. Current clinics include:
- Magnetawan — Magnetawan Community Centre, 4304 Hwy 520, Tue, Oct. 28, 4:00–6:00 p.m.
- Mattawa — Mattawa Golden Age Club, 464 Poplar St., Tue, Oct. 21, 3:00–6:00 p.m.
- North Bay — Elk’s Lodge, 325 Elks Ln., Sun, Oct. 26, 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
- Parry Sound — Bobby Orr Community Centre, 7-17 Mary St., Sun, Oct. 19, 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
- Sundridge — SSJ Arena, 14 Albert St. N, Wed, Oct. 22, 3:00–6:00 p.m.
Additional dates will be released in November when eligibility broadens to the general public.
Who Should Get Vaccinated First
The fall schedule prioritizes those at highest risk of severe outcomes. Eligible individuals include:
- Residents and staff of congregate living settings
- Pregnant individuals
- People aged 65 and older
- Children six months to four years old
- Individuals six months and older with underlying health conditions
- Members of First Nation, Inuit or Métis communities and their household members
- Members of racialized and other equity-deserving communities
- Health care workers and first responders
Older adults eligible for RSV vaccination may also receive it at these clinics. If someone has unique needs, they can contact the Health Unit at 705-474-1400 for a private appointment.
How Vaccines Help and How to Access Them
Vaccination continues to be one of the most effective measures to prevent severe illness, hospitalizations, and deaths from respiratory viruses. Dr. Carol Zimbalatti, Medical Officer of Health, emphasizes that vaccines protect not only individuals but also vulnerable friends and family members and the wider community.
Safety and convenience are key messages this season. The vaccines for COVID-19, flu, and RSV are free in Ontario and can be administered at the same time. You can receive vaccines through your primary care provider, a Health Unit clinic, or at participating pharmacies. If you don’t have a primary care provider, the fall clinic program is designed to improve access.
Note: It’s still recommended to wait six months after your last COVID-19 vaccine or a COVID-19 infection before receiving the next COVID-19 dose. The vaccines offered this year target current circulating variants. The RSV vaccine, once given, is generally a one-time dose for lifetime protection. For more information about scheduling and eligibility, visit myhealthunit.ca or consult your healthcare provider. Online resources are also available at shn.ca/vaxfacts or Health811 for connecting with a healthcare professional.
What to Expect on Clinic Day
Wait times at clinics may vary based on demand. Health officials encourage eligible individuals to monitor the Health Unit’s announcements for new dates and locations as more clinics are added.
“Getting vaccinated is one of the most effective actions you can take to protect your health, that of our vulnerable friends and family, and the entire community,” says Dr. Zimbalatti. “For infants, new parents, grandparents and everyone in between, staying up to date with these vaccinations brings protection and peace of mind year after year.”
Contact and Follow-Up
High-risk individuals with unique needs can call 705-474-1400 to arrange private appointments. As eligibility expands in November, more community clinic dates will be announced for the broader public, making vaccination more accessible across the region.
