Toronto Public Health has launched its annual campaign to combat COVID-19 and influenza in anticipation of a surge in respiratory illnesses this Fall.

TPH is now offering COVID-19 vaccines at its fixed-site vaccination clinics. More than 4,250 new appointments have been added for the updated monovalent COVID-19 vaccine, with an additional 8,500 appointments in the coming days, so that residents can be vaccinated in advance of the colder months when people spend more time indoors.

TPH has a phased approach to the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines based on eligibility criteria set by the Ontario Ministry of Health. The campaign will start with priority groups, including:

-residents and staff in congregate living settings
-people 65 years of age or older
-pregnant individuals
-children six months to four years of age
-individuals who are from a First Nation, Inuit, or Métis community and/or who self-identify as First Nation, Inuit or Métis and their household members
-members of racialized and other equity-deserving communities
-individuals with chronic underlying health conditions

Eligible high-risk residents can now book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment on the Province’s webpage.

Flu vaccines will also be available at more than 700 participating pharmacies for high-risk populations before they become available to the general public.

Starting October 31, all Torontonians will be able to get their updated COVID-19 vaccine and annual flu vaccine at the same time at fixed-site vaccination clinics, pharmacies or primary health care providers. The general public can book their appointment on the Toronto Public Health webpage starting October 25. Only one appointment will be required to get both vaccines at a TPH fixed-site vaccination clinic.

TPH encourages all Torontonians to get their COVID-19 and flu vaccines as soon as it is their turn. Getting vaccinated is an easy and effective way to be protected. Both vaccines are free for people six months of age and older who live, work or attend school in Ontario. An OHIP card is not required at TPH clinics but may be requested by other providers.

Toronto Public Health says residents who test positive for COVID-19 are reminded that they may be eligible for treatment. To be most effective, these medications need to be taken within five to seven days of when symptoms start.