Stay Protected this Winter

As the flu and respiratory illness season approaches, the Mid-West Toronto Ontario Health Team (MWT-OHT) encourages all residents to take proactive steps to safeguard their health and the health of their loved ones.

Protecting our community requires a collective effort. We recommend:

  • Vaccinating against the flu, COVID-19 and RSV as soon as eligible.

  • Practicing good hand hygiene by washing hands frequently with soap and water.

  • Staying home if you feel unwell to prevent the spread of illness.

  • Choosing well-ventilated environments whenever possible.

These measures are critical to reducing the burden of illness in our communities and ensuring access to care for those who need it most. Together, we can make this cold and flu season safer for everyone.

Where to Get Vaccines

  • Flu Vaccine

    The flu vaccine is available to everyone aged six months and older. Getting vaccinated can protect you and those around you from serious complications. It’s safe to get the flu vaccine alongside other vaccines, like the COVID-19 or RSV vaccine.

    You can get the flu vaccine at:

    • Your local pharmacy (call ahead to confirm availability).

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

  • The updated COVID-19 vaccine is designed to better protect against recent variants.

    The following groups are encouraged to get vaccinated:

    • Strongly recommended for those aged 65 and older

    • Long-term care residents

    • Those with high-risk medical conditions

    • Pregnant individuals

    • Indigenous communities

    • Racialized/equity-denied groups

    • Health care workers.

    You can get the COVID-19 vaccine at:

    • RSV vaccination is now available for eligible individuals, including:

      • Infants born April 1, 2025+

      • Children up to 24 months with high-risk conditions

      • Adults aged 60 and older, particularly those with underlying health conditions.

      • Pregnant individuals (32-36 weeks)

    • Speak to your healthcare provider or visit a local clinic to check your eligibility.

What to Do if You Have Symptoms

If you’re feeling unwell with symptoms of a respiratory illness (such as cough, fever, sore throat, congestion, or fatigue), take these steps:

For most people:

  • Stay home to rest and avoid spreading illness until your symptoms are improving and you have been fever-free for 24 hours (48 hours after vomiting/diarrhea).

  • Wear a well-fitted mask and improve ventilation if you need to be around others.

  • Manage symptoms with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medications as needed.

  • Seek care if symptoms worsen, especially if you develop difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, or dehydration.

  • Call 911 for life-threatening emergencies.

For people at higher risk of complications:

(Older adults, pregnant individuals, people with chronic medical conditions or weakened immune systems, residents of congregate settings)

  • Contact your primary care provider or a participating pharmacy as soon as possible — early treatment may reduce the chance of severe illness.

  • You may be eligible for publicly funded PCR testing if a test result would guide access to antiviral treatment (such as Paxlovid or Remdesivir).

  • Don’t wait for symptoms to become severe. Antiviral treatments work best when started early.

Not sure what to do?

Have Questions?

Need help navigating vaccines, symptoms, or resources? Contact:

  • Toronto Public Health: 416-338-7600 (TTY: 416-392-0658).

  • Health811: Dial 8-1-1 for free advice from a healthcare professional.

Resources and Tools

COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing Resources

Toronto Public Health Appointment Booking System

Book your COVID-19 vaccination appointment through Toronto Public Health’s online system. Ensure you stay up-to-date with your vaccines for better protection.

COVID-19 Self-Assessment Tool

Use this online tool to assess whether you need to get tested for COVID-19 based on your symptoms.

How to Book a
COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment

Follow this guide from the Ontario Government for step-by-step instructions on booking your COVID-19 vaccine appointment. Stay informed about eligibility and available locations.

COVID-19 Testing Centres

Find the nearest COVID-19 testing centre in Ontario to ensure you receive timely testing and care when needed.

Flu and COVID-19 Vaccination Information

Influenza Vaccine Fact Sheet

Get the latest information about the flu season and the importance of the flu vaccine. Stay protected against seasonal flu by understanding the vaccine’s benefits.

Ensuring Your Child Meets Vaccination Requirements

Immunization Coverage Rates in Toronto Schools

Stay informed about vaccination coverage across Toronto schools. This resource provides insights into how students are meeting Ontario’s immunization requirements under the Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA).

Student Vaccination Clinics

Toronto Public Health offers appointment-based clinics for students in Toronto to catch up on required and recommended vaccines, including Hepatitis B, HPV, and Meningococcal.

Learn how to prepare and check vaccine eligibility.

Report Student Vaccination

Parents and guardians can submit their child’s vaccination records to Toronto Public Health to meet Ontario’s Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA) requirements. Toronto Public Health also hosts community clinics to help students catch up on required vaccines.

Why Should My Child Get the COVID-19 Vaccine?

Explore multilingual fact sheets from Women’s College Hospital to learn about the benefits of COVID-19 vaccination for children and make informed decisions for your family.

Using Immunization Connect Ontario (ICON)

Easily update your child’s vaccination records using the Immunization Connect Ontario (ICON) system. This step-by-step guide shows parents and guardians how to report immunizations directly to Toronto Public Health.

Community-Specific Resources

South Asian Health Network COVID Resources

Find culturally relevant COVID-19 health resources provided by the South Asian Health Network. These materials are designed to support South Asian communities in navigating COVID-19 health information.