Respiratory Viruses: COVID-19, Influenza (Flu), & RSV
Last Reviewed/Updated: October 10, 2024
Keeping Safe & Preventing Illness
The best way to prevent getting sick is a layered approach:
- Stay up to date with immunizations
- COVID vaccinations (see section below)
- Influenza vaccinations (see section below)
- RSV Vaccinations for those that are eligible (see section below)
- Review the COVID-19 and Respiratory Virus Risk Index weekly for local guidance
- Stay home if you feel sick
- Practice proper hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette
- Gather outdoors or in well ventilated spaces, when possible
Visit the Ministry webpage for more information on keeping yourself and your family safe.
COVID-19
If you are feeling unwell, consider completing the COVID-19 self-assessment.
Vaccination
The most up-to-date COVID-19 vaccination (KP.2) is now available for individuals at high-risk. The general population will be eligible after October 28th. For more information, visit ontario.ca/page/covid-19-vaccines.
COVID-19 vaccines are available at participating pharmacies. Please call or visit the pharmacy’s website to confirm supply and to book an appointment.
Out of Province Vaccinations
If you received a COVID-19 vaccine outside of Ontario and wish to have it registered:
- Complete the online registration form; OR
- Email immunizationrecords@peterboroughpublichealth.ca with the following information:
- Name, phone number, and email address
- Reason for emailing
- Brand(s) of vaccine(s) received
- Date dose(s) were administered
Please note it may take up to 90 days for your information to be reviewed, approved, and registered in Ontario’s COVax system. You will be notified once your information has been successfully processed.
Testing
The Ministry program providing free Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) ended on June 30, 2023. For questions or to check supply, please call 705-743-1000 ext. 167.
PCR testing is available for eligible individuals in Ontario (find eligibility criteria here). Testing is completed at participating pharmacies (find locations here).
More information on testing can be found on the provincial webpage.
Treatment
Antiviral treatments are available for eligible residents, to help prevent serious illness from COVID-19. More information on the treatments and eligible populations can be found on the provincial webpage. A full list of pharmacies that prescribe and dispense antivirals can be found here.
Additional Resources
- COVID-19 Awareness Resources (multilingual)?– Government of Canada
- Multilingual COVID-19 Resources?– Public Health Ontario
- COVID-19 – Public Health Agency of Canada
- Signage for COVID-19
- Mental Health Resources & Supports
- First Nations, Metis, & Inuit Perspectives and Knowledge Sharing on COVID-19 Vaccines – Women’s College Hospital
Influenza (Flu)
Influenza (the flu) is a viral infection that typically circulates in Canada each year beginning in late fall and throughout the winter. Most people will recover in about 10 days, but some people experience complications such as pneumonia and may need to be in the hospital.? Vaccination is recommended each autumn for anyone 6 months of age & older, particularly those who are at a higher risk of infection or severe illness.
The 2024-2025 influenza vaccine is now available for people at high-risk. The general population will be eligible after October 28th.
Flu shots are available at:
- Any participating pharmacy (ages 2+)
- Your primary care provider’s office
- A public health clinic (ages 6 months to 5 years)
Please call or visit the pharmacy’s website to confirm supply and to book an appointment. To book an appointment at Peterborough Public Health for those 6mth- 5 years, please use our online booking system or call the clinic at 705-743-1000 ext. 331. Please note that the Peterborough Regional Health Centre is not a vaccination site.
The influenza vaccine may be given at the same appointment as other vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines. For more information on the flu, visit the Ministry webpage.
RSV
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of respiratory illness, particularly among infants, young children, and older adults, affecting the lungs and airways.?RSV?is the most common cause of bronchiolitis, a common chest infection that affects infants and toddlers. Immunization is available to help prevent serious outcomes, such as hospitalization, caused by the virus.?
Infants and High-Risk Children RSV Immunization Program?
All babies born in 2024, and children up to 24 months who are at high risk of severe illness from?RSV?are eligible for immunization. The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) specifically recommends that infants 8 months of age or less be immunized. Immunization of infants is the recommended approach to protect them from?RSV, however, a vaccine for pregnant individuals is also available, based on discussion with a health care provider.?
More information about this program can be found on the Ministry webpage.
The infant and high-risk children RSV program will begin in late October- early November 2024. Babies born in hospital will be offered RSV protection prior to leaving the hospital. Parents of any babies born in 2024 before the start of the RSV season should contact their health care provider. The Well Baby Clinic will be providing RSV immunization for older babies who do not have a health care provider.??
High Risk Older Adult RSV Immunization Program?
Some high-risk adults may be eligible for a free RSV vaccine. This includes adults aged 60 years and older who are also:?
- residents of long-term care homes, Elder Care Lodges, or retirement homes?
- patients in hospital receiving alternate level of care (ALC) including similar settings (for example, complex continuing care, hospital transitional programs)?
- patients receiving hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis?
- recipients of solid organ or hematopoietic stem cell transplants?
- those experiencing homelessness?
- those who identify as First Nations, Inuit, or Métis?
Adults aged 60 years and older who don’t qualify for the publicly funded program can still purchase the vaccine with a prescription from their family doctor or other primary care provider.?
For questions about the RSV immunization program call 705-743-1000 ext. 242.??