Fall 2026 Flu, COVID-19, and RSV Vaccines in Toronto: Who Can Get Them and Where

Respiratory illness season is here, and getting your fall vaccines is one of the simplest ways to protect yourself and the people around you. The good news is that free flu and COVID-19 shots are now open to everyone in Ontario aged six months and older. This guide explains who is eligible, how RSV vaccines work, and where to get your shots in Toronto.

Quick answers

• Flu and COVID-19 shots: Free for everyone 6 months and older who lives, works, or goes to school in Ontario.
• Start dates: Priority groups became eligible the week of September 28, 2026. Everyone else became eligible on October 26, 2026.
• Where to go in Toronto: Participating pharmacies, family doctor and nurse practitioner offices, and Community Health Centres.
• RSV: Available for certain older adults, infants, and pregnant women who meet the eligibility criteria.

When can I get a flu shot in Ontario in 2026?

You can get one now. Ontario's fall vaccination program started in two stages. High-risk and priority groups, including hospital patients and staff, residents and staff of long-term care and retirement homes, and adults 65 and older, became eligible the week of September 28, 2026. Free flu and COVID-19 shots opened to the general public on October 26, 2026.

Flu season typically runs from late fall to early spring, so getting vaccinated now is a good time. The flu shot takes about two weeks to reach its full effect, which is why it helps to get it before illness is spreading widely.

Who can get a free flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine in Ontario?

Everyone aged six months and older who lives, works, or goes to school in Ontario is eligible for a free flu shot and a free COVID-19 vaccine. Both are now offered as annual fall programs. The flu shot is recommended for everyone in this age group, and getting vaccinated as soon as it is available to you matters more than waiting for a particular product.

If you are 65 or older, ask your pharmacist or provider about the flu shot options available for your age group. Ontario offers several, and national guidance suggests that higher-dose or adjuvanted options may be preferred for older adults when they are available.

Where can I get a flu shot in Toronto?

You have several options, and the best one depends on your age and what is most convenient for you.

Participating pharmacies

Pharmacies are the most popular choice because they are easy to find and often open evenings and weekends. Many offer both walk-in and booked appointments, though this varies by location. Children as young as two can get a flu shot at a participating pharmacy, but children under two cannot. Some pharmacies offer only flu shots, so if you want a COVID-19 vaccine at the same visit, check that the pharmacy has it before you go.

Your family doctor or nurse practitioner

Participating doctor and nurse practitioner offices give flu and COVID-19 vaccines, and this is often the best choice for babies, young children, and anyone with a health condition. Call your clinic to ask whether they have vaccines in stock and how to book. If you do not have a family doctor, you can browse family practices accepting new patients on HealthEh!.

Community Health Centres

Toronto residents can also get vaccinated at Community Health Centres. They are a good option if you are not connected to a family doctor or if you prefer services in your own language. Call your nearest centre to ask about vaccine availability and how to book.

Walk-in clinics

Some walk-in clinics offer flu and COVID-19 vaccines, but not all do, so call ahead before you go. You can browse walk-in clinics near you and ask whether they are giving vaccines.

Toronto Public Health clinics

Toronto Public Health is not running general public vaccine clinics this fall. Its community clinics are for young children aged six months to four years, by appointment. Parents can book through Toronto Public Health's booking website.

Where can children get flu and COVID-19 shots in Toronto?

For children, the best places are your child's family doctor or nurse practitioner, a participating pharmacy for children aged two and older, or a Toronto Public Health community clinic for children aged six months to four years. Vaccine availability for the youngest children can vary at pharmacies, so call first to confirm. Some young children need more than one COVID-19 dose, so ask your provider about timing. School-aged children can also get vaccinated at pharmacies or their doctor's office, and the flu shot is a good habit to add to your back-to-school routine.

Can I get the flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines at the same time?

Yes. Toronto Public Health and the Ontario government both say it is safe to get a COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as, or before or after, a flu shot or an RSV vaccine. Getting them together can save you a trip, but you do not have to. If a provider only has one available, getting that one now is better than waiting.

Who can get the RSV vaccine in Ontario?

RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, can be especially serious for older adults and very young babies. The RSV vaccine is not a general fall shot. Ontario offers it for certain groups:

• Adults 75 and older: Eligible for a free RSV vaccine.
• Adults 60 to 74: Eligible if they have certain high-risk conditions or live in specific higher-risk settings.
• Infants and young children: Newborns and infants in their first RSV season, and some high-risk children up to 24 months in their second season, are eligible for RSV protection.
• Pregnant women: Can receive an RSV vaccine to help protect their baby at birth, from an obstetrician, midwife, or primary care provider.

Eligible adults in Toronto have been getting the RSV vaccine through primary care providers, so ask your doctor or nurse practitioner. If you are unsure whether you or your child qualifies, they can check your eligibility. Adults who qualify can get the RSV vaccine at any time of year.

What should I bring and do before my vaccine appointment?

• Bring your health card if you have one. If you do not have OHIP, call ahead and ask what the provider needs.
• Call ahead: Ask which vaccines are in stock and whether you need to book or can walk in.
• Bring your vaccination record if you have one, especially for children.
• Wear a short-sleeved or loose top so the upper arm is easy to reach.
• Tell the provider about allergies or recent illness. They can advise on timing if you are not feeling well.

What if I do not have a family doctor or OHIP?

You can still get vaccinated. Pharmacies are often the easiest first stop if you do not have a family doctor. Community Health Centres serve people regardless of insurance status, and many offer services in several languages. If you are new to Canada, call 3-1-1 to be connected with Toronto Public Health, and ask for an interpreter if you need one. When you contact a provider, mention that you do not have a health card so they can tell you what to bring.

Where can I find vaccine appointments near me?

The provincial COVID-19 booking portal and contact centre are no longer in use, so you contact providers directly. A good approach is to start with a pharmacy near your home or work, check whether it has the vaccine you need, and book or walk in. You can also use the Ontario government's online vaccine locator to find participating pharmacies and clinics. If you want help finding a nearby clinic, try Care Finder on the HealthEh! homepage, or browse the HealthEh! clinic search by neighbourhood.

Key tips for getting your fall vaccines in Toronto

• Get vaccinated as soon as you can: The shots are free and available now to everyone 6 months and older.
• Call ahead: Not every pharmacy or clinic has every vaccine in stock.
• Check age rules: Children under two cannot get a flu shot at a pharmacy.
• Ask about RSV: Adults 75 and older, some adults 60 to 74, pregnant women, and young babies may be eligible.
• Combine visits if it is convenient: It is safe to get flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines at the same time.
• Plan ahead for the two-week wait: Protection builds after vaccination, so earlier is better.

Getting your fall vaccines is a small step that can make a real difference for you, your family, and the people around you. If you are ready to book, a pharmacy or family doctor near you is a good place to start, and you can find nearby options on HealthEh!.