York Region Public Health encourages early vaccination as flu activity increases
Newmarket – Fall respiratory virus season is already here and York Region Public Health is encouraging all residents aged six (6) months and older to get vaccinated against influenza (flu) and COVID-19.
The 2026-2027 flu season started earlier than usual, with cases expected to peak as early as mid-to-late November. Flu activity is higher now than it was in the same period during the last three flu seasons. Residents are strongly encouraged to get their flu and COVID-19 vaccines as soon as possible to help protect themselves and those around them.
Vaccination remains the most effective way to protect against severe illness, hospitalization and complications from respiratory viruses, especially for children, older adults and anyone with underlying medical conditions.
Each year, flu and COVID-19 viruses change, and the protection gained from previous vaccinations or infections can fade. By getting vaccinated every year with the most current vaccines, you can boost your protection against the most current strains and help reduce the spread of illness in the community.
Appointments for York Region Public Health clinics are available until November 6, 2026, across York Region and can be booked online at York.ca/VirusSeason. These vaccines are free of charge, and an OHIP card is not required. Eligible residents can also receive their vaccines at participating pharmacies, doctors’ or nurse practitioner’s offices and walk-in medical clinics.
Layering your protection with simple habits such as staying home when you’re sick, washing hands often, covering coughs and sneezes and cleaning high-touch surfaces can help reduce the spread of seasonal viruses. Together, these measures help keep individuals, families and communities healthy while minimizing disruptions to work, school and daily activities.
More information about respiratory virus season and available vaccines is available at York.ca/VirusSeason
The Regional Municipality of York consists of nine local cities and towns and provides a variety of programs and services to more than 1.3 million residents and over 58,000 businesses with 624,000 employees. More information about the Region’s key service areas is available at york.ca/RegionalServices
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Media Contact:
Ben Mulholland, Program Manager, Community and Health Services,
The Regional Municipality of York
Phone: 289-231-1732
@email
