Seniors are eligible to receive four vaccines this fall

With the increasing cases of COVID-19 and RSV, healthcare professionals are urging the public to get vaccinated on time, especially those aged 60 and above and individuals with specific medical conditions. Older adults are more susceptible to severe consequences and health complications, and according to doctors, vaccines are a vital tool for preventing illness in the current year.

This fall, Canada has four primary vaccines available for seniors, each targeting a specific virus or bacterium that has previously led to increased hospitalizations and deaths. Healthcare providers are encouraging people to receive vaccines for COVID-19, influenza, bacterial pneumonia, and RSV, all of which have been approved by the Ministry of Health this summer.

COVID-19 and influenza vaccines are free and can be found in most clinics, pharmacies, and public health centers, depending on your location. However, the bacterial pneumonia vaccine may come with a cost, depending on the product and province. There are two types of vaccines available to protect against pneumococcal disease, with most provinces offering one type for specific populations based on age and medical conditions, while the other type must be purchased.

The RSV vaccine, which was recently approved by the Ministry of Health in August, comes at a cost. Most older adults nationwide will need to cover the expense of the RSV vaccine. The province of Ontario has agreed to provide RSV vaccine coverage only for individuals over the age of 60 living in long-term care facilities or certain senior homes. The new RSV vaccine is highly effective in preventing more than 82% of lower respiratory tract infections in older individuals and over 94% in individuals with underlying health conditions.

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