Yukoners can now book appointments for seasonal respiratory illness vaccines.
Visit Yukonimmunization.ca for information about vaccines, local clinic availability and appointment bookings. Appointments are also available at participating community pharmacies and local health centres. Some health centres may accept walk-ins, but booking an appointment is recommended.
Yukoners who are eligible for the flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID-19 vaccines can now receive all three during the same appointment. These vaccines provide protection against severe illness, hospitalization and other complications from respiratory illnesses.
Yukoners can ask a health care provider or pharmacist if they are unsure about eligibility or which immunizations are appropriate.
Vaccination is important for individuals at higher risk of severe respiratory illness, including older adults, pregnant individuals, young children, people with chronic medical conditions and health care workers.
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The adult RSV vaccine is available year-round for people aged 65 and older and people aged 18 to 64 years of age at high risk of severe RSV disease, such as those who live in long-term care.
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Infant RSV is recommended for infants eight months of age and younger entering their first RSV season and infants at higher risk who are up to 24 months of age and entering their second season.
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Higher-risk infants include those born prematurely or with certain heart, lung, immune, airway, neuromuscular or genetic conditions.
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Frequent handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes and staying home when sick can also help reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses.
Vaccine eligibility and recommendations
- Adult RSV: Adults aged 65 years and older and adults aged 18 to 64 years at high risk of severe RSV disease are eligible for one lifetime dose of the RSV vaccine. People who have already received an RSV vaccine are not eligible for another dose.
- Infant RSV: All infants eight months and younger, as well as high-risk infants and children up to two years of age, are eligible for RSV protection during the RSV season. Babies born during the season can receive the RSV monoclonal antibodies in hospital shortly after birth.
- COVID-19 and seasonal influenza vaccine: Available to all Yukoners aged six months and older, with vaccination encouraged for high-risk individuals, health care workers and caregivers.
Ayodeji Awobamise
Communications, Health and Social Services
867-334-8342
[email protected]