Windsor-Essex health unit launches fall vaccination campaign. Here's where you can get your shots
The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) says it plans to focus its immunization efforts on vulnerable populations this fall, while encouraging others to access vaccines through pharmacies and primary health care providers.
The health unit launched its fall immunization campaign on Friday.
"The province has expanded access points, with pharmacies and health care providers as the primary sources for COVID-19 and influenza (flu) vaccines," the health unit said in a news release Friday.
"Directing focus for local public health units, like the WECHU, on reaching populations with limited vaccine access options."
The province is offering free flu shots to people aged six months and older starting Oct. 28, according to its website.
Vulnerable and high-priority populations will be able to access them sooner.
Flu shot available to general public in 2 weeks
It is both safe and convenient to receive the COVID-19 shot at the same time, the province said.
"Pharmacies and health care providers are expected to begin receiving and offering updated fall 2024 formulations of vaccines in mid-October, ahead of the general eligibility date of Oct. 28, 2024," the health unit said.
"The WECHU is currently focused on distributing vaccines to hospitals and long-term care homes, which will be followed by supporting the vaccination of other priority groups in our community."
The health unit lists high-risk groups as:
Adults 65 years of age or older.
Priority populations are:
Children six months to four years of age.
Staff and care providers of long-term care homes and other congregate living settings.
Health care workers.
First responders.
Individuals with significant exposure to birds and mammals (such as poultry, livestock, slaughterhouse and processing plant workers, wildlife officers/researchers, and veterinarians).
Where to get vaccinated
There are multiple pharmacies across Windsor where people can get vaccinated, including at the Real Canadian Superstore on Dougall Avenue, Grand Marais Pharmacy on Dominion Boulevard, as well Rexall and Shoppers Drug Mart locations.
The full list of pharmacies in the region offering vaccines can be found online. According to the website, vaccine administration for children who are between the ages of six months and five years old might vary by pharmacy, so people are encouraged to call the location before booking an appointment.
Eligible priority groups can book appointments at the WECHU, once available, on their website.
Province continues to offer RSV vaccine, expands eligibility
In addition to offering flu shots and COVID-19 vaccines, Ontario is continuing the high-risk older adult RSV vaccine program that was introduced in 2023 — and expanding eligibility. The vaccine will be free of charge for adults aged 60 years and older who are:
Residents of long-term care homes, elder care lodges or retirement homes.
Patients in hospital receiving alternate level of care (ALC), including similar settings such as complex continuing care and hospital transitional programs.
Patients receiving hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis.
Recipients of solid organ or hematopoietic stem cell transplants.
Individuals experiencing homelessness.
Individuals who identify as First Nations, Inuit, or Métis.
This year, families with infants and high-risk children up to 24 months old will also have access to the new RSV immunization product, Beyfortus, and pregnant women will have the option to receive a single dose of Abrysvo, an RSV vaccine that can provide protection for their infant from birth to six months of age.
There are more details on the expanded RSV program online.
