October 10, 2026
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Grey Bruce Public Health is reporting the area’s first laboratory-confirmed influenza cases of the 2026-27 respiratory illness season, as the Ontario Ministry of Health announces the planned roll-out of this year’s flu, COVID-19, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccines.
“While respiratory virus activity is typically highest between November and April, these flu cases serve as confirmation that the virus is circulating in Grey-Bruce, and residents should be taking steps now to protect their health,” says Gillian Jordan, manager of public health's infectious diseases program.
“Vaccination is the best defence against common seasonal respiratory viruses, including the flu, so we encourage everyone to get the flu and COVID-19 vaccines as soon as they become available this fall.”
The health ministry has begun rolling out its fall immunization programs, with high-risk and priority groups, including older adults and long-term care home residents, receiving the first supply of COVID-19 and flu vaccines.
Individuals at highest risk of severe influenza or COVID-19 infection may receive these vaccinations beginning in early October, as soon as vaccines are received by their primary care provider or pharmacy.
Starting Oct. 26, publicly-funded COVID-19 and flu vaccines will be available to the public at primary care provider offices, participating pharmacies, and public health clinics.
The updated COVID-19 vaccine and this season’s flu shot are recommended for anyone aged six months of age and older. The two vaccines, which can be given during the same appointment, are a safe and effective way to prevent severe outcomes from these respiratory viruses.
To support residents who are not able to access their COVID-19 and flu vaccines through their primary care provider or pharmacy, public health will be holding clinics in several local communities this fall.
The schedule includes an evening clinic at at the public health office in Owen Sound, Nov. 17 from 4-7 p.m., as well as a clinic during the school Professional Development Day, Nov. 20. Additional clinics will also be held in Dundalk and Port Elgin.
All public health clinics will be added to the on-line calendar once they are confirmed.
Also, this fall, some Ontario residents, including those aged 75 and older and eligible newborns, can receive a vaccine to protect against RSV.
Eligible residents should consult with a health-care provider about receiving an RSV vaccine.
The risk of severe outcomes from RSV infection is highest among infants under six months of age, as well as children under 24 months of age with certain health conditions. Older adults are also at increased risk of severe outcomes from RSV.
Along with vaccination, residents can protect themselves, their family members, and communities from respiratory illnesses by staying home when sick, cleaning hands and disinfecting high-touch surfaces frequently, and practising coughing and sneezing etiquette.
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