Build Protection with Every Layer
Combine simple actions together to reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses and protect yourself and those around you. The more layers you use, the stronger your protection.
Prevent the flu, RSV and COVID-19
Get Vaccinated | Stay Home When Sick | Wash Your Hands
Anyone can get the flu (influenza), COVID-19 and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). While most recover without complications, some individuals are at higher risk of serious illness and hospitalization, including:
- Older adults
- Young children
- People with weakened immune systems
- People with lung or heart conditions
- Pregnant people
Everyone has a role to play to reduce the spread of these illnesses, and staying healthy allows you to stay connected with your loved ones. Learn more about how you can protect yourself, your family and community this season.
Layers of Protection: Simple Ways to Stay Healthy
- Stay up to date with a COVID-19 and flu vaccine (and RSV vaccine if you are eligible)
- Stay at home when you are sick
- Wash your hands often with soap and water
- If soap and water are unavailable, use hand sanitizer with at least 70% alcohol
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and throw the tissue out immediately. Wash hands afterwards. Cough in your upper sleeve if you don’t have a tissue
- Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces regularly
- Wear a well-fitted mask in crowded, indoor settings for added protection
Fall Vaccine Clinics
York Region Public Health is offering flu and COVID-19 vaccines for children six (6) months - 5 years of age, and adults 65 years and older. It is safe and convenient to get both vaccines at the same visit. Appointments are available online.
Complete an electronic consent form after booking the appointment to save time at the clinic.
What do I do if I have symptoms?
If you have symptoms:
- Stay home until you have no fever (without the use of fever-reducing medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen) and your symptoms have been improving for 24 hours (48 hours for vomiting/diarrhea)
- If you cannot stay home: wear a tight-fitting, well-constructed mask
- It is recommended to continue to wear a mask in public for 10 days after symptoms start
- Avoid visiting those at higher risk of severe illness, including people living in long-term care, retirement homes or hospitals
- Most respiratory illnesses can be treated at home. Antiviral treatment for COVID-19 and influenza is available for those at higher risk of severe illness
For additional information from a health care professional, visit Health811 online or call 811 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Where can I get vaccinated?
Where to Get Flu, COVID-19 and RSV Vaccines in York Region
| Vaccine Providers | Flu Vaccine | COVID-19 Vaccine | RSV Vaccines |
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York Region Public Health Clinics |
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Some doctor or nurse practitioner's offices*
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Long Term Care & Retirement Facilities
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Some walk-in medical clinics*
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*Vaccine availability may vary by location. Contact the provider directly to confirm vaccine availability and eligibility requirements before visiting.
Integrated Respiratory Dashboard
York Region Public Health updates the dashboard content weekly to present information on COVID-19, influenza (flu), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease activity and trends in York Region. The data includes information on disease severity, high-risk populations, and the general community.
Integrated Respiratory Dashboard
If you would like to view this dashboard in an alternative format for accessibility, please contact @email.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Q. What's the difference between the flu, COVID-19 and RSV?
All three are respiratory illnesses, have very similar symptoms that overlap, and pose an increased risk in those with underlying health conditions or weakened immune systems.
The following outlines the differences as far as those who are the most susceptible to illness and severe disease:
- The flu (influenza) carries the biggest threat to infants and young children, older adults and pregnant people
- COVID-19 poses the biggest risk to those who are older
- RSV poses the biggest threat to infants and young children
Q. Why do people get sick more often with the flu, COVID-19 and RSV during the colder months?
Colder temperatures can reduce our body’s ability to fight off infections; plus, when we spend more time indoors, we can spread viruses to one another more easily.
Q. Who can get these vaccines?
Both COVID and flu vaccines are free for everyone six months of age and older who lives, works or attends school in Ontario. No OHIP card is required at our York Region Public Health clinics; however, an OHIP card may be requested by other vaccine providers. RSV vaccines are free for eligible groups.
Q. Can I get more than one vaccine at the same time?
Yes. You can get the flu vaccine at the same time as other vaccines, including the COVID-19 and RSV vaccine (if eligible), or at any time before or after. Talk to a health care provider or pharmacist to learn more.
