Northwestern Ontario Residents Urged to Protect Against Fall Respiratory Illnesses
KENORA – The Northwestern Health Unit (NWHU) is actively encouraging residents to recieve updated influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccinations as respiratory illness season begins. health officials emphasize that vaccination remains the most effective defense against severe illness and potential hospitalization.
The NWHU serves over 173,000 square kilometres of Ontario, encompassing 19 municipalities and 39 First Nations communities.Updated vaccines for influenza,COVID-19,and RSV will be available throughout the region by mid-October.A high-dose influenza vaccine specifically for individuals aged 65 and older will be offered while supplies last, available at pharmacies and from personal health-care providers in Kenora, Dryden, and Fort Frances.
RSV,a common seasonal virus,typically causes mild symptoms but can lead to hospitalization,particularly in vulnerable populations. Symptoms include coughing, sneezing, wheezing, fever, and a runny nose. According to Sandra Krikke, infectious diseases manager for the NWHU, the unit reported one RSV outbreak in a facility during 2024 and has already documented two outbreaks so far in 2025.
the RSV vaccine is currently available to all residents 75 years of age and older within the NWHU catchment area.
Residents can book vaccination appointments online through the NWHU website: https://www.nwhu.on.ca/our-services/vaccines-and-immunizations/booking-a-fall-respiratory-vaccine-appointment/. Information on fall respiratory vaccines is also available from the Thunder Bay district Health Unit at https://www.tbdhu.com/fallvax2025.