Ontario Launches Flu Vaccination Program for High-Risk Groups

Seniors, long-term care residents, hospital staff, and patients in Ontario can begin receiving flu vaccinations this week, as health authorities aim to combat the upcoming flu season. The general public, including individuals aged six months and older, will have access to the vaccine starting on **October 27, 2025**. Other provinces and territories across Canada are expected to initiate their flu shot programs around mid-October.

Dr. Netisha Gupta of the Lung Health Foundation emphasized the importance of flu vaccinations, particularly for vulnerable populations. Young children, seniors, and those with respiratory conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) face a heightened risk of severe illness due to influenza.

“The flu vaccine not only reduces the risk of illness but also helps ensure that infections, if they occur, are milder and less likely to require hospitalization,” Dr. Gupta stated. She added that immunity typically develops about two weeks after receiving the shot, allowing the body to recognize and combat the virus more effectively.

Dr. Jesse Papenburg, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at the Montreal Children’s Hospital, highlighted the vaccine’s role in reducing healthcare visits. According to Papenburg, vaccination can cut the need for medical attention or hospitalization by nearly half.

A study co-authored by Papenburg, published in the Journal of Pediatrics in July, reviewed cases of influenza among individuals aged 16 and younger in Canada between 2004 and 2022. The findings revealed that **80 children and youth** died from influenza during this period, while **12,887** required hospitalization. Alarmingly, over half of the fatalities occurred in children under five years old.

“Young age is a risk factor for severe influenza disease,” Papenburg explained. “Children, particularly infants, have smaller airways and less prior exposure to infections, resulting in lower immunity.” He noted that approximately three-quarters of the children who died had underlying chronic medical conditions, and only **25%** of those in the study had received the flu vaccine.

“Fortunately, mortality due to influenza in children is infrequent, but it is also potentially preventable,” Papenburg remarked. He underscored that influenza should not be dismissed as a mere cold, as it can lead to serious complications, including hospitalization and death.

The data analyzed in the study came from the IMPACT surveillance network, which encompasses 12 pediatric hospitals across Canada. This research underscores the critical importance of flu vaccinations for at-risk populations, reinforcing the message that proactive measures can significantly reduce severe outcomes from influenza.

The health coverage for this report was supported by a partnership with the Canadian Medical Association. The information serves as a timely reminder for families to prioritize vaccination as flu season approaches in order to safeguard their health and well-being.