What is the news?
Ontario’s fall 2026 immunization rollout starts during the week of September 28 for high-risk and priority populations. The priority groups include adults aged 65 and older, residents and staff in congregate settings such as long-term-care and retirement homes, health-care workers and people with certain underlying health conditions.
The province says initial flu and COVID-19 vaccine supplies will go first to hospitals, long-term-care homes and other congregate settings, followed by primary-care providers and participating pharmacies. Free vaccination for the general population begins October 26, 2026.
- Priority rollout
- Week of September 28, 2026
- General availability
- October 26, 2026
- Senior priority group
- Age 65 and older
- Cost
- Publicly funded for eligible Ontario residents
Who is affected?
Adults aged 65 and older are included in the priority rollout because they face a higher risk of flu-related complications and hospitalization. Other priority groups include residents and staff in congregate settings, health-care workers, pregnant people, young children, First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities, and people with specified underlying health conditions.
What is the impact?
Ontario’s publicly funded flu program offers standard-dose, high-dose and adjuvanted flu vaccines for adults aged 65 and older. Provincial guidance says the high-dose or adjuvanted vaccine should be offered over a standard-dose vaccine when available, but advises against delaying vaccination solely to wait for a particular product.
Ontario also funds RSV vaccination for adults aged 75 and older and for adults aged 60 to 74 who meet specified high-risk medical or living-setting criteria. That RSV coverage was an existing program when the priority rollout began during the week of September 28. Eligibility can also depend on whether a person has previously received a publicly funded RSV vaccine.
What should you do?
Contact your pharmacy, primary-care provider or local public health unit before visiting. Ask whether the updated COVID-19 vaccine and the appropriate flu product for your age are in stock. Supplies are distributed in stages, so a provider may participate in the program without having appointments available immediately.
If you are 75 or older—or aged 60 to 74 with a high-risk condition or qualifying living arrangement—ask whether you meet the current RSV criteria. Discuss timing and co-administration with a health-care professional, particularly if you have previously received an RSV vaccine or have questions about your medical history.
Official sources
General educational information only—not medical advice. Vaccine suitability, timing and availability are personal and may change. Confirm them with an authorized health-care provider or the responsible Ontario program.