Free flu and COVID-19 shots open to every Oakville resident aged six months and up on October 26

What changes on October 26

Ontario runs its flu and COVID-19 vaccination programs in two stages each fall. The first stage began the week of September 28, 2026, when high-risk and priority populations became eligible and supply was directed first to hospitals, long-term care homes and other congregate living settings, followed by primary-care providers and participating pharmacies.

The second stage starts on Monday, October 26, 2026. From that date, the province says anyone six months of age and older who lives, works or goes to school in Ontario can receive a free flu shot and a free COVID-19 vaccine. The COVID-19 program is now an annual one, aligned with National Advisory Committee on Immunization guidance, and the province recommends getting the updated vaccine each fall as soon as it is available rather than waiting for a particular product.

Key facts

How to book in Oakville

There is no central provincial booking system for this season. The province directs residents to contact participating providers directly, such as a family doctor, nurse practitioner or local pharmacy, and to call ahead to confirm the vaccine is available before going, because supply can vary from one provider to the next.

• Ask your pharmacy or primary-care provider whether they are participating and when general-public appointments open.
• If you are 65 or older, live in a long-term care or congregate setting, or have an underlying condition listed by the province, you may already be eligible and should not wait for October 26.
• Talk to the provider about receiving flu and COVID-19 vaccines at the same appointment, and about RSV immunization if you are an eligible older adult.

Who counts as high risk

For COVID-19, the province lists groups it says should receive both a fall and a spring dose: adults 80 and older; residents of long-term care homes aged 18 and older; residents of congregate living settings aged 65 and older; and adults 65 to 79 with an underlying medical condition such as cancer, cerebrovascular disease, chronic kidney disease or chronic liver disease. The province's flu page says the flu can be serious, particularly for seniors and young children, and that the shot is the best protection for them and the people around them.