Respiratory Illness Season Has Begun

Huron Perth, ON – Respiratory illness season is here, with COVID-19, influenza (“the flu”), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and other respiratory viruses circulating. Since the end of August, there have been five respiratory illness outbreaks at long-term care homes in Huron Perth.

“The best way to avoid and minimize respiratory illnesses is with immunization,” says Dr. Miriam Klassen, Medical Officer of Health at Huron Perth Public Health (HPPH). “It is very important to stay up to date on the vaccines you are eligible for to protect yourself, your family and the community.”

All Ontario residents aged six months and older are eligible to receive influenza and COVID-19 immunizations. Select high-risk groups are eligible to receive RSV immunization.

Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines are being offered in phases, beginning with high-risk and priority groups. Eligible groups for early access include hospitalized patients, healthcare workers, individuals aged 65 and older, and residents of long-term care and congregate settings.

Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines will be available to the general public at the end of the October. Contact your healthcare provider or local pharmacy to ask about receiving these vaccines.

Adults aged 75 and older are eligible to receive RSV vaccine as part of the province’s recent expansion to the adult RSV prevention program. Eligible adults should contact their primary care provider about getting the vaccine. This program is not available through pharmacies this year.

Infants and high-risk children can get the RSV monoclonal antibody through birthing centres and healthcare providers.

HPPH will be holding fall respiratory virus immunization clinics for infants and children who do not have a healthcare provider, specifically:

• RSV monoclonal antibody for infants born on or after April 1, 2025, and aged less than 8 months at the time of administration
• COVID-19 and influenza immunization for children aged 4 years and under

HPPH respiratory virus immunization clinics for infants and children

• Oct. 21 | HPPH Stratford West Gore office | 653 West Gore St., Stratford
• Oct. 23 | HPPH Clinton office | 77722B London Rd., Clinton
• Nov. 4 | HPPH Stratford West Gore office | 653 West Gore St., Stratford
• Nov. 5 | Listowel-Wingham and Area Family Health Team | 271 Frances St. (2nd floor), Wingham                              
• Nov. 11 | HPPH Listowel Office | 161 Inkerman St. West, Listowel
• Nov. 12 | HPPH Clinton office | 77722B London Rd., Clinton
• Nov. 17 | HPPH Stratford West Gore office | 653 West Gore St., Stratford

Clinics are by appointment only. Call 1-888-221-2133 ext. 3558 to make an appointment for your child.

Other ways to protect yourself and your family during the respiratory illness season: 

• Wash hands often
• Stay home when sick 
• Cover coughs and sneezes and mask when needed 
• Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces 
•  Improve indoor ventilation

To learn more about how to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses, including information about immunizations, visit www.hpph.ca/illness