Last updated: November 16, 2023

As a community member, here's what you can do to be protected against cold, flu and COVID-19 this season:

• Get vaccinated

• Choose well-ventilated spaces whenever possible

• Wear a well-fitted mask in crowded indoor settings

• Stay home if feeling sick

• Test for COVID-19 if symptoms exist

• Wash your hands frequently

Where to get the COVID-19 vaccine

The general population can get the updated COVID-19 vaccine at the following locations. The updated COVID-19 vaccine better protects against the new Omicron XBB variant.

• Toronto Public Health clinics

  • This includes a clinic location at Metro Hall, 214 Wellington Street West, Main Floor

  • You can book an appointment(opens in a new tab) using the Ontario Government's website at these clinics starting on October 25, 2023. You will have the option of booking one appointment to get your updated COVID-19 vaccine and flu vaccine at the same time.

  • If you need help booking an appointment, call the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900.

• Your local pharmacy

  • Please contact your local pharmacy to confirm availability.

• Your primary care provider (e.g. family doctor or nurse practitioner)

  • Please contact your primary care provider to confirm availability.

• Other clinics found at Ontario.ca/bookvaccine

• Homebound vaccinations are available for specific eligible individuals.

  • Learn more about TPH’s Homebound Vaccination Program.

Where to get the flu vaccine

Beginning October 30, the influenza vaccine will be available at Toronto Public Health Mass Immunization Clinics, pharmacies, and primary care offices.

Individuals may be required to provide proof that they live, work, or attend school in Ontario to receive the publicly funded influenza vaccine. Many different identification (ID) documents are accepted to prove eligibility (e.g., health card, registered mail, pay stub, student card). Having a health card is NOT a requirement, however, some health care providers may request one for their services. Eligible individuals without a health card can receive the influenza vaccine from a community health centre, participating pharmacy, local public health unit or other community clinic.

All individuals aged six months and older are encouraged to get the flu vaccine as soon as it is available to them. It is safe to get the COVID-19 vaccine and flu vaccine at the same time or around the same time.

What to do if you have cold, flu and COVID-19 symptoms

If your symptoms are severe and potentially life-threatening (e.g. shortness of breath or chest pain), please call 9-1-1 immediately or go to your nearest hospital emergency department.

If your symptoms are not life-threatening, take the Ontario Government’s COVID-19 Self-Assessment for recommendations on what to do next. Recommended next steps may include self-isolating or, if you are at higher risk of severe illness, seeking COVID-19 testing and treatment like the Paxlovid pill.

Where to get care for cold, flu and COVID-19 symptoms

If you have an urgent but non-life threatening health issue, such as mild cold, flu and COVID-19 symptoms, we encourage you to contact your family doctor, nurse practitioner or other primary care provider.

If you need to go to the Toronto General Hospital Emergency Department, please arrive prepared by reading the information on TGH’s website if you are able to.

Where to get a rapid antigen test (RAT)

If you’re feeling sick or have symptoms of COVID-19, you can keep your loved ones safe by testing for COVID-19. See a list of locations where Toronto Public Health is offering free rapid antigen tests (RATs).

Where to get COVID-19 treatment

If you have symptoms (even if they are mild) and you are at higher risk of severe COVID‑19, seek testing and care immediately by either:

• Contacting a primary care provider (e.g. your family doctor, nurse practitioner or your treating specialist)

• Contacting your local pharmacy to find out if there is a pharmacist available that can prescribe Paxlovid 

• Visiting a Clinical Assessment Centre (available in select areas only)

You can use a rapid antigen test (RAT) if you have one, but it’s important to understand that these tests may be negative in the early stage of infection. If you have symptoms (even if mild) and are at higher risk of severe COVID‑19, seek PCR testing and care immediately if the test is negative or if you don’t have a RAT.

The Connected Care Hub

The Connected Care Hub focuses on delivering short-term transitional care, caring for patients with respiratory illnesses and recovery from other acute exacerbations or illnesses. By providing an increased intensity of care for a short duration of time, it will enable effective transition of patients into the community (or keep patients at home) and prevent unnecessary Emergency Department (ED) visits and in-patient hospital admissions.

Building from the success with virtual COVID care, the Hub aims to:

• Provide a Transitional Nurse Practitioner:

  • for the days/weeks following hospital discharge

  • for the days/weeks following an acute episode or change in baseline

• Provide equitable and accessible care

• Better manage seasonal pressures

• Support transition to home/community

Click here to learn more about Connect Care!