Protect yourself during the 2026-27 respiratory illness season
Waterloo Region – Region of Waterloo Public Health is preparing for the fall respiratory illness season. The Ontario Ministry of Health announced flu and COVID-19 vaccines will be available for high-risk groups first and then will become available for the general public starting October 26.
"The best way to prevent serious illness from COVID-19 and flu is to get your annual vaccines,” said Director of Infectious Disease and Chief Nursing Officer David Aoki. “Public Health is working closely with local health care partners to make sure residents have easy options to access vaccines at locations across the region.”
Vaccines are currently being distributed by Public Health to local health care partners and will be available for high-risk groups the week of October 5. The groups with first access to free COVID-19 and flu vaccines include:
- Hospital patients and staff;
- Residents and staff in long-term care homes, retirement homes and other congregate settings; and
- People who are 65 and older.
Public Health clinics in Kitchener and Cambridge will offer a limited number of vaccine appointments for eligible high-risk individuals without a health care provider starting the week of October 13.
Starting October 26, free flu and COVID-19 vaccines will be available to the public. Check with your pharmacy or health care provider about what options are available to you.
In November and early December 2026, COVID-19 and flu vaccines will also be available from Public Health at Public Health Neighbourhood Bus visits and at Saturday clinics. Clinic details will be posted soon at regionofwaterloo.ca/vaccines.
Eligible high-risk individuals, like seniors, infants and people who are pregnant, can also get an RSV vaccine to increase their protection. More information on eligibility and how to access RSV vaccines is available at regionofwaterloo.ca/RSV.
Other steps you can take to help protect yourself and others from respiratory illness:
- Stay home if you are feeling sick.
- Practice good hand hygiene by washing hands and using hand sanitizer.
- Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze.
- Wear a tight-fitting, well-constructed mask in indoor public settings, especially around anyone at higher risk of infection.
- If you are feeling sick, do not visit people who are at higher risk of complications from respiratory illnesses, like people in hospitals, seniors or those who are immunocompromised.
- Seek medical attention if you experience severe or worsening symptoms.
Respiratory virus activity updates are available through Public Health Ontario’s Respiratory Virus Tool.
To learn more about flu, COVID-19 and RSV, visit:
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