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- calendar_today October 9, 2026
Respiratory Virus Season: Key Vaccination Recommendations
This fall, Canadians are being urged by respiratory virus specialists to receive their flu vaccine as soon as it becomes available in their region. Most provinces plan to offer the flu shot free of charge to the general public by late October, as part of broader efforts to prevent respiratory infection this season.
Flu Vaccine: Who Should Get It and When?
According to Dr. Winnie Siu, a senior medical adviser for the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI), everyone over six months old should get the seasonal flu vaccine. In Ontario, flu and COVID-19 vaccines have been available since September 28 to individuals aged 65 and older, residents in long-term care or retirement homes, and hospital patients and staff. Across Canada, a higher-dose flu shot version is recommended for adults 65 years and above, as older immune systems often require a greater boost.
Those seeking alternatives to injections may be able to access FluMist, a nasal spray formulation, though its availability can vary by province and territory. Even last year's less-than-ideal flu vaccine formulation provided around 40 percent protection against infections serious enough to require medical care or hospitalization, Dr. Siu noted.
Peak Flu Season Coming Early
Dawn Bowdish, immunologist at McMaster University and head of the Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health, emphasized that this flu season appears to be starting early. She advised Canadians to get their flu shots as soon as possible because "it looks like we’re about to tick up into the epidemic range fairly shortly." Peak effectiveness following vaccination is achieved after about two weeks, with the protection generally lasting for about three to six months.
Bowdish expressed concern over declining child immunization rates post-pandemic and stressed the importance of the flu vaccine for children, especially those with asthma or other health conditions. She also highlighted that pregnant people are a priority group, as all serious respiratory illnesses—including COVID-19, flu, and RSV—can have significant consequences for both the mother and baby.
Which Flu Strains Are Circulating?
Early Public Health Agency of Canada data shows the H1N1 influenza A strain circulating in parts of the country, after last season's dominance by the H3N2 variant. According to Bowdish, H3N2 tends to affect older adults and long-term care homes more severely, whereas H1N1 is commonly more serious in children. The dominant strain for the ongoing season has not yet been confirmed.
RSV Vaccine and High-Risk Populations
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) typically infects almost all children by age two, Dr. Elissa Abrams, pediatric specialist and NACI adviser, explained. While RSV often resembles a common cold, it can be severe, particularly as a leading cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in infants. NACI recommends ready-made antibody treatments—nirsevimab or clesrovimab—for all infants during their first RSV season, and for high-risk infants in their second season, unless the child received protection via maternal vaccination during pregnancy.
High-risk infants include those born prematurely, with cardiorespiratory disease, immunocompromised conditions, airway disorders, or Down syndrome. Adults aged 75 and older also face increased risk, as do adults aged 65-74 with underlying health problems, long-term care residents, transplant recipients, and others with chronic or severe health conditions. For adults in these groups, one lifetime RSV vaccine dose is recommended for now.
COVID-19 Vaccine Update and Availability
NACI strongly recommends that anyone aged 65 and older, as well as residents of care facilities, receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Older age and very young children are the most significant risk factors for severe COVID-19 illness, with seniors comprising the majority of hospitalizations and deaths.
This year's COVID-19 vaccine targets the XFG Omicron subvariant, and options include Pfizer’s and Moderna’s mRNA vaccines as well as the protein-based Nuvaxovid by Sanofi. Moderna's Spikevax starts at 6 months of age, Pfizer’s Cominarty at 5 years, and Nuvaxovid is available for those 12 and older. Most provinces and territories offer the vaccine free of charge under varying eligibility criteria, with ongoing updates to immunization programs.
For people with complex health needs, those who are pregnant, healthcare workers, and individuals from Indigenous or racialized communities, COVID-19 vaccination remains strongly recommended. While all individuals 6 months and older may be offered vaccination, provincial plans determine eligibility and coverage details.
Source: halifax.citynews.ca.
