Ontario Opens Fall Flu and COVID-19 Vaccination to High-Risk Groups

Ontario has announced the schedule for its 2026–2027 fall respiratory immunization programs, setting phased access dates for COVID-19 and influenza vaccines and outlining expanded respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) prevention options.

Priority groups begin first

Starting the week of September 28, 2026, initial COVID-19 and influenza vaccine supply is being directed to high-risk and priority groups who live, work or study in Ontario. The province identifies hospitalized patients, hospital staff, residents and staff of long-term care homes, retirement homes and other congregate settings, and adults aged 65 and older among the first groups.

For community pharmacy planning, Ontario’s vaccine-location page says COVID-19 vaccine will be available at participating pharmacies starting the week of September 28, while pharmacy flu vaccine availability begins the week of October 13. Free flu and COVID-19 vaccination expands to the general public on October 26 through participating pharmacies, public health units, and participating physician and nurse practitioner offices.

RSV prevention remains part of the fall conversation

Ontario’s adult RSV program includes residents aged 75 and older, as well as people aged 60 to 74 who meet specified high-risk criteria or live in eligible higher-risk settings. Eligible adults may receive Abrysvo or Arexvy throughout the year.

Beginning October 1, eligible newborns and infants up to eight months old entering their first RSV season, and certain high-risk children up to 24 months old entering a second season, may receive nirsevimab (Beyfortus). Pregnant patients may also be eligible for Abrysvo through an obstetrician, midwife or primary care provider to help protect the infant after birth.

What participating pharmacies should verify

Community pharmacies must be approved by the Ministry of Health to participate in the publicly funded vaccine programs. Ontario’s influenza program page states that trained pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, pharmacy students and interns may administer vaccines only to people aged two years and older, within their individual authorization and program requirements.

Pharmacies should distinguish public eligibility from site-level availability. Shipment timing may vary as provincial supply is received and distributed, and not every approved pharmacy will offer every product. Appointment messaging should therefore confirm the vaccine offered, eligible population, start date and supply at the specific location.

Practice guidance for pharmacists

• Separate the program dates in patient messaging: pharmacy COVID-19 vaccine from the week of September 28, pharmacy flu vaccine from the week of October 13, and general-public access from October 26.
• Confirm the patient’s age, Ontario eligibility, priority-group status, previous doses, product-specific interval and contraindications before booking or administration.
• Verify that the pharmacy is approved for the applicable publicly funded program and that each vaccinator is trained and authorized for the patient’s age group.
• Review cold-chain, inventory, consent, documentation, claims and adverse-event procedures before clinics begin; do not promise supply that has not arrived.
• Use the provincial pharmacy-locator and current Ministry fact sheets when directing patients, and update local voicemail, web and walk-in signage as program phases change.