Thunder Bay Health Unit Opens Fall Vaccine Campaign, Urges Early Shots for High-Risk Groups

The Thunder Bay District Health Unit has launched its annual fall vaccine campaign, telling residents in the city and district of Thunder Bay that the main message is to get vaccinated early against flu, COVID-19, Respiratory Syncytial Virus and pneumococcal disease. The health unit said in its Oct. 6 announcement that vaccines provide both individual and community protection against respiratory illnesses and reduce the risk of severe illness and hospital stays.¹

Appointments are already underway for people in high-risk and priority groups, which the health unit describes as those at higher risk of severe illness and the people who work with them, such as health care providers and family members. All other residents become eligible on Oct. 26. The health unit said all vaccines are free for those who live, work or learn in Ontario, and it directs residents to TBDHU.com/flucovidvax for the list of high-risk and priority groups.¹

Who can get vaccinated, and when

Health care providers, long-term care facilities, retirement homes, assisted living homes for seniors and hospitals began stocking COVID-19 and flu vaccines as of Oct. 1, the health unit said. Pharmacies will receive their supply in mid-October. Clinics for high-risk people start in October and general public clinics begin in November, and the health unit said the clinics are by appointment only.¹

The health unit's acting medical officer of health framed the campaign as a collective action. "Staying up-to-date on seasonal vaccines is an effective action that each and every one of us can take," Dr. Greg Holzman said. "When more people are vaccinated, viruses have a harder time spreading from person to person. This protects the most vulnerable in our community, some of whom cannot be vaccinated, including infants under 6 months."¹

Public health is rooted in prevention. By staying up to date with the vaccines available to you and your family and choosing to stay home if feeling unwell, we can drastically reduce severe illness and reduce the strain on local healthcare systems.¹Dr. Greg Holzman, Acting Medical Officer of Health, Thunder Bay District Health Unit

RSV protection for infants and older adults

An RSV vaccine is available for eligible adults, with one dose recommended for adults 75 years and older. The health unit said the vaccine is also available for those 60 to 74 who meet criteria listed at TBDHU.com/rsvvax, and that it can be safely given at the same time as the flu and COVID-19 vaccines, making for one convenient appointment. It is not currently available at pharmacies.¹

For infants, Ontario offers a medication called Beyfortus to those born after April 1, 2026 and up to eight months of age in their first RSV season. The health unit said Beyfortus is not a vaccine but an antibody medication that provides immediate immunity to prevent illness. Children at higher risk of severe RSV illness, up to 24 months of age in their second RSV season, can also receive Beyfortus after a consult with a health care provider. Pregnant people have the option to receive an RSV vaccine called Abrysvo from their health care provider to help protect their infant at birth.¹

RSV is a leading cause of infant hospitalization in Canada, but it is highly preventable. The Ontario prevention program is free, and can lower the risk of hospitalization by about 80%. As a paediatrician, I am grateful to stand alongside TBDHU in encouraging families across our district to take this important step to help protect their children and keep them healthy this fall and winter.¹Dr. Jazmyn Balfour-Boehm

Pneumococcal cases rising locally

The health unit strongly recommends that people speak with their health care provider about the pneumococcal vaccine, saying cases of invasive pneumococcal diseases are on the rise in the city and district of Thunder Bay in recent years. The vaccine is available to anyone 65 and older and those between 18 and 64 with certain medical conditions listed at TBDHU.com/pneumo.¹

The health unit said its October schedule for high-risk people includes a clinic on Thursday, Oct. 15 at the Oliver Road Community Centre. Appointments can be booked online through the health unit's website.¹