Region prepares for fall respiratory illness season

Posted on Friday September 13, 2024

Waterloo Region – Further to the Ministry of Health's recent announcement, Region of Waterloo Public Health has been preparing for the fall respiratory illness season and is confirming its first three lab-confirmed local cases of influenza for the 2024-2025 respiratory illness season.

“These first cases signal the start of the flu season. We have begun working with partners to ensure residents have access to vaccines this fall,” said Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang, Medical Officer of Health. “We encourage everyone to reduce their risk of this respiratory illness season by staying up to date on vaccinations once they become available.”

Influenza

Influenza vaccines will be available in early October, first for high-risk populations, including hospitalized individuals, hospital staff, and residents and staff in long-term care homes, followed by those in retirement homes and other congregate settings, as well as persons 65 years and older.

On October 28, the flu vaccine will be available for the general public aged six months and older. Flu vaccines will be available through doctor and nurse practitioner offices, participating pharmacies, and public health clinics.

COVID-19

The updated COVID-19 vaccine is also expected to be available in October following Health Canada approval. Initial doses will be prioritized for higher-risk populations and more details will be provided once doses are distributed to Ontario.

RSV

The Province has expanded its publicly funded immunization program for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The vaccine will be available for those who are 60 years and older and high risk, including those living in long-term care homes, Elder Care Lodges, and all retirement home residents.

Also beginning in October, families with infants and high-risk children up to 24 months old will have access to the new RSV immunization, Beyfortus®, through their health care providers, as well as in hospital settings for infants born during the 2024/25 respiratory illness season. Women who are 32-36 weeks pregnant can also receive a single dose of Abrysvo® that provides protection for their infant from RSV from birth to six months.

If you are experiencing symptoms of respiratory illness, you should:

Stay home
Practice good hand hygiene by washing hands and using hand sanitizer
Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze
Consider wearing a tight-fitting, well-constructed mask in indoor public settings, especially around anyone at higher risk of infection
Do not visit people who are at higher risk of complications from respiratory illnesses, such as persons in hospitals, retirement/long-term care homes, seniors, or those who are immunocompromised
Seek medical attention if you experience severe or worsening symptoms.

Public Health Ontario provides regular updates on respiratory virus activity through the Ontario Respiratory Virus Tool.

To learn more about influenza, COVID-19 and RSV, visit:

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