Fall Vaccination Push in Northwest Ontario
Public health officials in Northwestern Ontario are encouraging residents to get updated vaccines for the flu and COVID-19, along with RSV protection. A health unit news release stresses that receiving vaccines with the most current strains remains the best defense against severe illness and can help prevent unnecessary hospital visits.
The Northwestern Health Unit (NWHU) highlights that the latest vaccines are anticipated to be available in its catchment area by mid-October. This includes the updated influenza and COVID-19 vaccines, as well as the RSV shot, which Health Canada notes targets the circulating strains more effectively and can reduce the risk of medical complications.
RSV: Who Should Consider Vaccination
RSV is a seasonal virus that most often causes mild illness, but it can lead to hospitalization in some cases. The health unit notes that the RSV vaccine is available to everyone 75 years and older in the region. Common RSV symptoms include coughing, sneezing, wheezing, fever and a runny nose. In 2024, there was one RSV outbreak in a facility reported to the NWHU, according to infectious diseases manager Sandra Krikke. For 2025, the health unit has reported two RSV outbreaks so far, signaling that vigilance remains important during the fall and winter months.
How to Access Vaccines
In addition to RSV protection, residents are encouraged to obtain the updated influenza and COVID vaccines to defend against severe illness and limit hospital visits. A high-dose influenza vaccine for people aged 65 and older will be available, though only while supplies last. In the Kenora, Dryden and Fort Frances areas, the high-dose flu vaccine will be distributed through pharmacies or direct from personal health-care providers.
Vaccination appointments can be booked online through the Northwestern Health Unit’s official website. The NWHU is the public health agency serving more than 173,000 square kilometres of Ontario, including 19 municipalities and 39 First Nations communities.
Where to Find More Information
Residents seeking more details about flu, COVID and RSV vaccines can explore resources from the Northwestern Health Unit. For broader context, the Thunder Bay District Health Unit—covering Greenstone, Marathon and 25 First Nations in its 230,000-square-kilometre catchment area—also provides information about vaccines on its website.
Key Takeaways for Northwest Ontario Residents
- Get the most up-to-date flu and COVID vaccines to protect against severe illness.
- RSV vaccination is available to eligible seniors and others as guidance permits—check local eligibility.
- Vaccines are expected to be available by mid-October; high-dose flu vaccines are limited and distributed where indicated.
- Appointments can be booked online via the NWHU website, with specific options in Kenora, Dryden and Fort Frances.
As health officials monitor flu, COVID-19 and RSV activity, residents are urged to take advantage of available vaccines to safeguard individual and community health this fall and winter.
