Grey Bruce Public Health is reporting the area’s first laboratory-confirmed influenza cases of the 2026-27 respiratory illness season, as the Ministry of Health announces the planned rollout of this year’s flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines.

“While respiratory virus activity is typically highest between November and April, these flu cases serve as confirmation that the virus is circulating in Grey-Bruce, and residents should be taking steps now to protect their health,” says Gillian Jordan, Manager of GBPH’s Infectious Diseases Program.

“Vaccination is the best defence against common seasonal respiratory viruses, including the flu, so we encourage everyone to get their flu and COVID-19 vaccines as soon as they become available this fall.”

The Ministry of Health has begun rolling out its fall immunization programs, with high-risk and priority groups, including older adults and long-term care home residents, receiving the first supply of COVID-19 and flu vaccines.

Individuals at highest risk of severe influenza or COVID-19 infection may receive these vaccinations beginning in early October, as soon as vaccines are received by their primary care provider or pharmacy.

Starting Oct. 26, 2026, publicly funded COVID-19 and flu vaccines will be available to the general public at primary care provider offices, participating pharmacies, and public health clinics.

The updated COVID-19 vaccine and this season’s flu shot are recommended for anyone aged six months of age and older. The two vaccines, which can be given during the same appointment, are a safe and effective way to prevent severe outcomes from these respiratory viruses.

To support residents who are not able to access their COVID-19 and flu vaccines through their primary care provider or pharmacy, GBPH will be holding clinics in several local communities this fall.

The schedule includes an evening clinic at Grey Bruce Public Health in Owen Sound on Nov. 17 from 4 to 7 p.m. as well as a clinic during the school Professional Development Day on Nov. 20. Additional clinics will also be held in Dundalk and Port Elgin.

All GBPH clinics will be added to its online calendar once they are confirmed.

Also, this fall, some Ontario residents, including those aged 75 and older and eligible newborns, can receive a vaccine to protect against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).

Eligible residents should consult with a healthcare provider about receiving an RSV vaccine.

The risk of severe outcomes from RSV infection is highest among infants under six months of age, as well as children under 24 months of age with certain health conditions. Older adults are also at increased risk of severe outcomes from RSV.

Along with vaccination, residents can protect themselves, their family members, and communities from respiratory illnesses by staying home when sick, cleaning hands and disinfecting high-touch surfaces frequently, and practicing coughing and sneezing etiquette.