Stay Protected this Winter

As the flu and respiratory illness season approaches, the Mid-West Toronto Ontario Health Team (MWT-OHT) encourages all residents to take proactive steps to safeguard their health and the health of their loved ones.

Protecting our community requires a collective effort. We recommend:

  • Vaccinating against the flu, COVID-19 and RSV as soon as eligible.

  • Practicing good hand hygiene by washing hands frequently with soap and water.

  • Staying home if you feel unwell to prevent the spread of illness.

  • Wearing a mask in crowded or poorly ventilated indoor spaces.

  • Choosing well-ventilated environments whenever possible.

These measures are critical to reducing the burden of illness in our communities and ensuring access to care for those who need it most. Together, we can make this cold and flu season safer for everyone.

Where to Get Vaccines

  • Flu Vaccine

    The flu vaccine is available to everyone aged six months and older. Getting vaccinated can protect you and those around you from serious complications. It’s safe to get the flu vaccine alongside other vaccines, like the COVID-19 or RSV vaccine.

    You can get the flu vaccine at:

    • Your local pharmacy (call ahead to confirm availability).

    • Your primary care provider (e.g., family doctor or nurse practitioner).

  • The updated COVID-19 vaccine is designed to better protect against recent variants. Everyone aged six months and older is encouraged to get vaccinated at least three months after their last dose or infection.

    You can get the COVID-19 vaccine at:

    • RSV vaccination is now available for eligible individuals, including:

      • Infants and young children at high risk of severe illness.

      • Adults aged 60 and older, particularly those with underlying health conditions.

    • Speak to your healthcare provider or visit a local clinic to check your eligibility.

What to Do if You Have Symptoms

If you’re feeling unwell, take these steps:

  1. Use Ontario’s COVID-19 Self-Assessment Tool for guidance.

  2. Stay home to recover and avoid spreading illness.

  3. If your symptoms worsen or you’re at higher risk of complications, contact your primary care provider or visit an assessment center.

For emergencies like difficulty breathing or chest pain, call 911 immediately.

Have Questions?

Need help navigating vaccines, symptoms, or resources? Contact:

  • Toronto Public Health: 416-338-7600 (TTY: 416-392-0658).

  • Health811: Dial 8-1-1 for free advice from a healthcare professional.

Resources and Tools

COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing Resources

Toronto Public Health Appointment Booking System

Book your COVID-19 vaccination appointment through Toronto Public Health’s online system. Ensure you stay up-to-date with your vaccines for better protection.

COVID-19 Self-Assessment Tool

Use this online tool to assess whether you need to get tested for COVID-19 based on your symptoms.

How to Book a
COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment

Follow this guide from the Ontario Government for step-by-step instructions on booking your COVID-19 vaccine appointment. Stay informed about eligibility and available locations.

Ministry of Health COVID-19 Vaccine Fact Sheet

Read the Ministry of Health’s fact sheet to learn about the COVID-19 vaccine, its safety, and the benefits of vaccination.

COVID-19 Testing Centres

Find the nearest COVID-19 testing centre in Ontario to ensure you receive timely testing and care when needed.

Flu and COVID-19 Vaccination Information

2024-2025 Influenza Vaccine Fact Sheet

Get the latest information about the 2024-2025 flu season and the importance of the flu vaccine. Stay protected against seasonal flu by understanding the vaccine’s benefits.

Ministry Of Health COVID-19 Vaccine Fact Sheet

Access essential details about the COVID-19 vaccine, including its effectiveness, safety, and eligibility for different groups.

Ensuring Your Child Meets Vaccination Requirements

Immunization Coverage Rates in Toronto Schools

Stay informed about vaccination coverage across Toronto schools. This resource provides insights into how students are meeting Ontario’s immunization requirements under the Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA).

Student Vaccination Clinics

Toronto Public Health offers appointment-based clinics for students in Toronto to catch up on required and recommended vaccines, including Hepatitis B, HPV, and Meningococcal.

Learn how to prepare and check vaccine eligibility.

Report Student Vaccination

Parents and guardians can submit their child’s vaccination records to Toronto Public Health to meet Ontario’s Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA) requirements. Toronto Public Health also hosts community clinics to help students catch up on required vaccines.

Why Should My Child Get the COVID-19 Vaccine?

Explore multilingual fact sheets from Women’s College Hospital to learn about the benefits of COVID-19 vaccination for children and make informed decisions for your family.

Using Immunization Connect Ontario (ICON)

Easily update your child’s vaccination records using the Immunization Connect Ontario (ICON) system. This step-by-step guide shows parents and guardians how to report immunizations directly to Toronto Public Health.

Community-Specific Resources

South Asian Health Network COVID Resources

Find culturally relevant COVID-19 health resources provided by the South Asian Health Network. These materials are designed to support South Asian communities in navigating COVID-19 health information.