BRAMPTON, Ont. – October 21, 2025. Peel Public Health reminds residents that as the weather gets colder and people spend more time indoors, the risk of catching viruses like influenza (the flu), COVID-19 or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) increases.
There are many ways to help prevent the spread of respiratory infections in the community.
- Stay home when sick
- Clean your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow, not your hand.
- Stay up to date with vaccinations. Flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines help lower the risk of infection, work to reduce severe outcomes if infected, and aid your body’s natural defenses to develop protection against disease.
If you are sick and unable to stay home, wear a well-fitted mask in public indoor settings and avoid contact with vulnerable individuals to prevent the spread of illness.
Protecting the most vulnerable
Certain groups are at higher risk of severe illness from respiratory infections. These include:
- Babies and children under 5 years old
- Adults 65 years and older
- Pregnant individuals
- People with underlying health conditions such as asthma, heart disease, diabetes or a weakened immune system
- Residents of long-term care and retirement homes
- People experiencing homelessness or precarious housing
- Indigenous people (First Nations, Metis, Inuit)
Vaccine information and eligibility
All respiratory season vaccines are free for individuals who live, work or go to school in Ontario.
You don’t need an Ontario health card to get vaccinated. Individuals without a health card can receive the flu and COVID-19 vaccine from a community health centre or local pharmacy.
Flu and COVID-19 Vaccines
Beginning October 27, flu and COVID-19 vaccines are available for all Peel residents 6 months and older. Residents can receive the flu vaccine at the same time, or any time before or after a COVID-19 vaccine.
Make an appointment to get the vaccines at:
- Participating family doctors and walk-in clinics
- Participating pharmacies
- Peel Public Health clinics – Children 6 months to 4 years old can get their COVID-19 and flu vaccines at Peel Public Health clinics
You can book appointments online or call Peel Public Health at 905-799-7700, toll-free 1-888-919-7800.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
RSV is the most common cause of pneumonia and other lung infections among infants and young children, and a major cause of hospital admissions in young children and older adults.
This year, Ontario has expanded its RSV prevention programs to include all individuals 75 years and older. High-risk individuals 60 to 74 years, pregnant individuals, infants, and high-risk children up to 24 months continue to be eligible for immunization under the program.
RSV immunization
- Beginning October 1, infants born during the 2025-2026 RSV season will be offered immunization in hospital before discharge.
- Peel Public Health clinics will offer RSV immunization for eligible residents 60 to 74 years and all residents 75 years and older who do not have a primary care provider. Please call 905-799-7700 to book your appointment.
- Eligible adults can also ask their primary care provider about receiving the RSV immunization
- Immunization may also be available for infants through participating family doctors and walk-in clinics.
For more information on program eligibility and where to get immunized, please contact your primary care provider or visit Peel Region’s website.
Visit Health811 online or call 811 (TTY 1-866-797-0007) for health advice and information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.