News

Sharon Ricci •

September 21, 2026

Fall Vaccines: What Do I Need This Year?

Fall is here — and so are questions about vaccines.

Do I need a flu shot? What about COVID-19? Am I old enough for the RSV vaccine? Do I need a pneumonia vaccine too?

If you’re confused, you’re not alone. Vaccine recommendations can change from year to year, and not every vaccine is recommended for every person.

Here is a simple look at what may apply to you this fall.

Infants

RSV

Winterberry is still waiting to hear an update regarding this year’s recommendations for RSV immunizations for infants.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia vaccination is given during routine childhood immunizations.

If You’re 6 Months to 64 Years Old

Flu

The flu vaccine is recommended each year for most people 6 months of age and older who do not have a contraindication to the vaccine.

People from 6 months to 64 years receive the regular-dose flu vaccine.

COVID-19

Some people in this age group are included in higher-risk groups for COVID-19 vaccination, including:

  • People with underlying medical conditions that put them at higher risk of severe COVID-19
  • Pregnant people
  • Health-care workers and other care providers
  • Residents of long-term care homes and other congregate living settings for seniors
  • People in or from First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities
  • Members of racialized and other equity-denied communities

People who are not considered high risk may also choose to receive the vaccine based on individual COVID-19 risk assessment or preference.

Pneumonia

People from 6 weeks to 64 years who are considered high risk may be covered for pneumonia vaccination in Ontario.

Please contact the clinic if you are unsure whether you are covered.

If You’re 65 to 74 Years Old

Flu

Adults 65 and older receive the high-dose flu vaccine.

COVID-19

Adults 65 and older are included in the higher-risk group for COVID-19 vaccination.

RSV

Adults 60 to 74 years old may be covered in Ontario if they meet specific high-risk criteria, including:

  • Residents of long-term care homes, Elder Care Lodges, retirement homes or similar settings
  • Patients in hospital receiving alternate level of care
  • Certain patients with glomerulonephritis who are moderately to severely immunocompromised
  • People receiving hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis
  • Solid organ or hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients
  • People who are homeless
  • People who identify as First Nations, Inuit or Métis

Pneumonia

Adults 65 and older are covered in Ontario for pneumonia vaccination.

If You’re 75 or Older

If you are 75 or older, the following vaccines may apply to you this fall:

  • High-dose flu vaccine
  • COVID-19 vaccine
  • RSV vaccine
  • Pneumonia vaccine

Adults 75 and older are covered in Ontario for RSV vaccination.

If You’re Pregnant

Pregnant people are included in the higher-risk group for COVID-19 vaccination.

RSV vaccination is also covered in Ontario for pregnant individuals between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy who will be delivering during RSV season.

When Will Vaccines Be Available?

Winterberry is waiting for Public Health to confirm when this year’s flu and COVID-19 vaccines will be available.

Eligible patients can contact the clinic now to schedule RSV and pneumonia vaccination.

If you have any questions about your immunization status or which vaccines you may need this fall, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at the clinic. We’re happy to help.

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