Ontario continues to encourage residents to stay up to date on COVID vaccines.

The number of cases is low, but Public Health Ontario is seeing an increase among young children and the elderly.

Health Minister Sylvia Jones admits the number of people being vaccinated to protect against COVID has been declining.

“It’s frankly why we do the public education and the advertising to show and remind people that it’s an appropriate time and the availability is there for whether it’s influenza and RSV and yes, COVID,” says Jones.

Anyone six months and older can now receive their flu and COVID-19 vaccines at participating pharmacies, public health units and medical clinics.

“Getting immunized is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself, your loved ones and our communities,” says Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health.

The Health Ministry says getting the COVID-19 and the flu vaccines at the same time is safe and recommended to avoid multiple trips.

The adult RSV immunizations, Abrysvo® or Arexvy, are also available.

They are recommended for anyone 75 years of age and older; certain high-risk adults aged 60 to 74, such as residents of long-term care homes or retirement homes; infants up to eight months of age born on or after April 1, 2026 and high-risk children less than 24 months of age.

Pregnant women also have the option to receive the RSV vaccine Abrysvo®, which also protects infants at birth.

“Vaccination helps reduce the risk of severe illness and hospitalization, particularly for older adults and other vulnerable populations. I encourage Ontarians to get vaccinated as soon as possible to help keep themselves and their loved ones healthy this season,” states Dr. Kieran Moore, Chief Medical Officer of Health.

The vaccines are free.

Jones says it is necessary to keep them that way and have as many people vaccinated as possible.

“We see again through ICU numbers, through emergency department numbers, that when we offer those preventative pieces, it really makes for a healthier population.”