What to know
- Free flu and COVID-19 vaccines are currently available to priority groups, including seniors, pregnant people and those with underlying health conditions.
- Starting Oct. 26, everyone aged six months and older will be eligible.
- Residents can get vaccinated at participating pharmacies, primary care offices and Community Health Centres.
- Some pharmacies offer flu shots only, so check availability before booking.
- Ontario’s online vaccine locator lists participating vaccination locations across the province.
Free influenza and COVID-19 vaccines are already available for vulnerable groups, and will soon become available for everyone ahead of the respiratory virus season.
It’s that time of the year when temperatures are starting to drop and everyone around us seems to be sneezing and coughing. But as the respiratory virus season hits, all Torontonians will soon be able to receive free COVID-19 and flu shots.
Various clinics and pharmacies across the city are already welcoming high-risk priority groups to receive their vaccines, including:
- Adults over 65 years of age
- Pregnant women
- Children between six months and four years of age
- People in or from First Nations, Métis or Inuit communities
- Those with underlying health conditions like cancer or cardiac or pulmonary disorders
- Those living in congregate living settings such as retirement homes or chronic care facilities
Starting Oct. 26, vaccines will also be available for everyone over six months old.
According to the city’s website, respiratory infections like COVID-19, the flu, or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) spread easily and can worsen underlying health conditions, especially for high-risk groups. Contamination also usually increases during the fall and winter months.
Although there are different layers of protection people can use to avoid getting sick, such as face masks and hand hygiene, the best way to prevent the spread of these infections is through vaccination.
Where to get vaccinated
Immunization against the flu and COVID-19 is free for the season, starting Oct. 26, including in Toronto.
Residents can head to any participating pharmacies, primary care offices, and Community Health Centres.
Before getting their shot, residents are directed to:
- Make an appointment
- Check if they have any existing illness symptoms
- Stay home if they are sick, even with mild symptoms
There are several locations in the city where residents can get their shots, with some of them being:
- Adelaide Pharmacy (339 Adelaide St. E.); open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays
- Apotheca Compounding Pharmacy (417 Spadina Rd.); open from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays [flu shots only]
- Bathurst Wilson I.D.A. Pharmacy (322 Wilson Ave.); open from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays
- Beaches Pharmacy (1974 Queen St. E.); open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays, and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays
- CAMH Pharmacy (100 Stokes St.); open from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on weekdays
- Danny’s Drugstore (2284 Kingston Rd.); open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays
- Don Mills & Lawrence Pharmacy (895 Lawrence Ave. East.); open from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays
- Freshco Pharmacy (410 Bathurst St.); open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays
- High Park Pharmacy (5 High Park Ave.); open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays
For a full list of available locations, residents can refer to the Ontario government website.
According to Health Canada, flu and COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective.
