Northwest Ontario Urges Updated Vaccinations for Flu, COVID and RSV
Residents in Northwestern Ontario are being urged to update their vaccinations for the upcoming season, with the Northwestern Health Unit (NWHU) announcing that the latest influenza, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines should be available in the region by mid-October. Health officials emphasize that getting vaccines with the most up-to-date strains is the best defense against severe illness and can help prevent unnecessary visits to the hospital.
RSV Vaccination Expansion for Seniors
In an effort to protect more residents, the NWHU noted that the RSV vaccine is available to everyone 75 and older within its catchment area. RSV, a seasonal virus, typically causes mild illness but can lead to hospitalization in some cases. Health Canada describes RSV symptoms as coughing, sneezing, wheezing, fever, and a runny nose. While outbreaks are not uncommon, local health officials reported two RSV outbreaks in 2025 so far and one outbreak in 2024, underscoring the importance of vaccination for vulnerable groups.
Why Vaccination Matters This Season
Public health officials say that updated vaccines for influenza, COVID-19, and RSV help prevent severe disease, reduce hospital stays, and lower the overall burden on the health system. The most current strains used in vaccines are designed to match circulating viruses, increasing protection for individuals and communities alike. The NWHU also cautions that while RSV often causes milder illness, particular groups—such as older adults—remain at higher risk for complications, making targeted vaccination important.
Vaccine Availability and How to Get Vaccinated
Officials have announced that the updated vaccines for flu, COVID, and RSV will be available across the Northwestern Health Unit’s 19 municipalities and 39 First Nations communities, covering more than 173,000 square kilometres. In Kenora, Dryden, and Fort Frances, high-dose influenza vaccines for people 65 and older will be offered only while supplies last and will be accessible through pharmacies or personal health care providers. For most residents, routine vaccination clinics and other access points will be identified on the NWHU website.
Booking and Access
Vaccination clinic appointments can be booked online via the Northwestern Health Unit’s official site. Local residents should check for the newest clinic dates, locations, and vaccine availability as mid-October approaches, ensuring they receive the correct, up-to-date formulation. The health unit stresses that getting the correct vaccines is essential for community protection and for preventing avoidable health care visits during the fall and winter seasons.
What This Means for the Community
With the Northwestern Health Unit serving a large and diverse region, broad access to flu, COVID, and RSV vaccines is a public health priority. The addition of RSV vaccination for seniors 75 and older marks a significant step in protecting a high-risk population, while updated flu and COVID vaccines help everyone from schoolchildren to frontline workers reduce the risk of severe illness and transmission. Community members are encouraged to stay informed via the NWHU website and to book vaccinations as soon as appointments become available.
About the Northwestern Health Unit
The Northwestern Health Unit is the public health authority for more than 173,000 square kilometres of Ontario, overseeing 19 municipalities and 39 First Nations communities. It collaborates with regional partners to monitor outbreaks, provide vaccination programs, and deliver health information to residents across a broad geographic area. For more resources on flu, COVID, and RSV vaccines, visitors can consult the NWHU site or contact local health providers.
