COVID-19 and flu vaccines open to the general public in Hamilton on October 26

COVID-19 and flu

Hamilton Public Health told health care providers in an October 5 advisory that the COVID-19 vaccine becomes available to the general public on October 26, 2026. High-priority groups could receive it from late September, as soon as vaccine arrived. A September 29 advisory gives the same October 26 date for the flu vaccine, and says that until then flu shots should go only to high-priority groups.

• Adults 65 and older, and residents of long-term care homes, retirement homes and other congregate settings.
• People 64 and younger with underlying medical conditions that put them at higher risk of severe COVID-19, including children with complex health needs.
• Pregnant people, and people who identify as First Nations, Inuit or Métis and their non-Indigenous household members.
• Health care workers, care providers and first responders, and members of underserved communities.

The City's public vaccine page says everyone six months and older is eligible for an annual COVID-19 vaccine and an annual flu vaccine. Fall COVID-19 doses can be given until March 31, 2027, and an additional spring dose for eligible high-risk people is planned for April to June 2027, according to the advisory.

RSV

Ontario's infant and high-risk children RSV program could begin on October 1, 2026, pending product availability, according to Hamilton Public Health's October 7 advisory. It covers infants born on or after April 1 who are under eight months old when immunized, children under 24 months who remain at increased risk after a discussion with their pediatric specialist, and, as an alternative, pregnant people between 28 and 36 weeks who are expected to deliver during the RSV season. The last day to give these products under the program is March 31, 2027, unless the season is announced as prolonged.

The older adult RSV vaccine can be given at any time of year. Eligible people include everyone 75 and older and adults 60 to 74 in specific groups, such as those living in long-term care or retirement homes, receiving dialysis or home oxygen, experiencing homelessness, or who identify as First Nations, Inuit or Métis. The City says booster doses are not currently recommended for people who have already had an RSV vaccine.

Where to get vaccinated

COVID-19, flu and RSV vaccines are available through participating pharmacies and health care providers, the City says. People who have trouble finding or getting a respiratory vaccine that way can book an appointment at a Hamilton Public Health vaccination clinic. For more information about the programs, the City lists Hamilton Public Health at 905-540-5250.