Toronto flu and COVID vaccines roll out Oct. 26 to everyone six months and older at no cost

Toronto's flu and COVID-19 vaccine rollout begins Saturday, Oct. 26. Both vaccines are free at participating pharmacies, primary care offices, and Community Health Centres across the city. Everyone aged six months and older becomes eligible that day, though priority groups can get vaccinated starting now.

Currently eligible groups include seniors (adults over 65), pregnant women, children six months to four years, First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people, and those with cancer, cardiac, or pulmonary disorders. People in retirement homes or chronic care facilities are also prioritized now.

To book an appointment, use Ontario's online vaccine locator or call ahead to confirm availability — some pharmacies offer flu shots only. Adelaide Pharmacy (339 Adelaide St. E.) operates weekdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Beaches Pharmacy (1974 Queen St. E.) is open weekdays 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturdays 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sundays 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Freshco Pharmacy (410 Bathurst St.) runs weekdays 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturdays 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sundays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Before your appointment, check for illness symptoms and stay home if you have any — even mild ones. H1N1 cases were rising in Ontario heading into October, and Sanofi opened a flu vaccine facility in Toronto earlier this year to boost local supply for seniors.