Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines available to all Hamiltonians

HAMILTON, ON – With the respiratory virus season underway, Hamilton Public Health Services and local healthcare partners are recommending both influenza and COVID-19 vaccines for members of the general public.

Starting today, all Hamilton residents six months of age and over can access influenza and COVID-19 vaccines through participating local pharmacies, primary care and community partners, and Hamilton Public Health Services vaccine clinics. Pharmacies in Hamilton that are providing COVID-19 and influenza vaccines can be found at ontario.ca/vaccine-locations. For more information about COVID-19 vaccines and to book an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccination at a Hamilton Public Health Services vaccine clinic, visit hamilton.ca/GetYourVaccine.

Vaccination is an important protective measure in both the prevention of the spread of COVID-19 and influenza and in reducing the risk of the serious complications of these respiratory infections.

Multi-layered approach

Hamilton Public Health Services continues to urge Hamiltonians to remain vigilant and take a multi-layered approach to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses, using multiple measures in addition to vaccines.

Respiratory viruses are a common occurrence during the fall and winter months, and they include well-known viruses such as influenza (flu), common cold viruses (rhinoviruses) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Additionally, the COVID-19 virus remains a significant concern worldwide. A multi-layered approach highlights the importance of prevention, vaccination, symptom recognition, and responsible healthcare resource utilization.

To protect ourselves and others, Hamilton Public Health Services is emphasizing using all of these measures together:

• Influenza and COVID-19 vaccination – Residents are encouraged to stay up-to-date with influenza vaccinations (flu shots) and COVID-19 vaccinations to support their immune system and reduce the risk of respiratory illnesses. Co-administration of COVID and flu vaccines is safe, effective and strongly recommended.
• Respiratory etiquette – Follow proper respiratory etiquette by covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing and dispose of used tissues promptly.
• Screening - Screen for respiratory symptoms daily and stay home when sick.
• Wear a mask - Consider wearing a tight-fitting, well-constructed mask in indoor public settings, especially if you are at higher risk of severe infection

• Wash your hands - Practice good hand hygiene by washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially during times when you are likely to get and spread germs.
• Clean and disinfect - Disinfecting shared surfaces and shared items is a crucial step in preventing the spread of a virus.
• Speak with a healthcare provider - Speak to a professional healthcare provider in advance about treatments for COVID-19, influenza and Respiratory Syncytial Virus.

Through these preventive measures and by working together, we can ease pressure on our healthcare system and keep those who are most at risk safer.

For more information and updates, please visit hamilton.ca/covid.

Quick Facts

• Vaccine administration for ages 6 months to under 5 years old may vary from pharmacy to pharmacy. Contact the pharmacy before booking an appointment to confirm
• Individuals should receive their next COVID-19 dose if it has been a recommended six months since their last dose or confirmed COVID-19 infection. Hamilton residents are encouraged to speak with a health care professional to help determine their appropriate vaccination schedule.
• Starting in October 2023, Hamilton Public Health Services vaccine clinics, pharmacies and select healthcare providers began providing COVID-19 and influenza vaccines to Hamilton residents at high-risk of severe infections from these respiratory illnesses.
• During the colder months, we see increased transmission of respiratory illnesses, including the flu, COVID-19 and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). Individuals can learn more about current respiratory virus transmission in the community by accessing Hamilton Public Health Services weekly transmission summary at hamilton.ca/covid.
• COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test kits can be picked up from select City of Hamilton locations. Residents can find the most up-to-date list of locations, and who can benefit from this program by visiting hamilton.ca/covidtesting.