Downtown East Toronto Ontario Health Team

Fight the COVID-19 and Influenza (Flu)

Protect yourself from COVID-19

As cold weather sets in, we can expect higher virus activity. All Torontonians now have access to the updated COVID-19 and flu vaccines at local pharmacies, walk-in centres, and through primary health care providers.

We encourage everyone aged six months and above, whose most recent COVID-19 vaccination or infection took place at least six months ago, whichever is more recent, to receive a booster vaccine as soon as it becomes available to them.

Please note, Toronto Public Health will close its four fixed-site vaccination clinics at Metro Hall, Cloverdale Mall, North York Civic Centre and in Scarborough (near Scarborough Town Centre) on December 13, 2023. Nonetheless, primary health care providers and local pharmacies will continue to administer vaccinations, especially during the respiratory illness season.

High-risk residents

We strongly advise high-risk groups to receive the updated COVID-19 and flu vaccine. These groups include:

  • residents and staff in congregate living settings
  • people 65 years of age or older
  • pregnant individuals
  • children six months to four years of age
  • individuals who are from a First Nation, Inuit, or Métis community and/or who self-identify as First Nation, Inuit or Métis and their household members
  • members of racialized and other equity-deserving communities
  • individuals with chronic underlying health conditions
  • health care providers and first responders

COVID-19 vaccination for all Torontonians

Starting October 31, all Torontonians will have access to the updated COVID-19 vaccine at local pharmacies, walk-in centres, and through primary health care providers. Please call your local provider to confirm the availability and other details.

For more information on vaccination services close to home, please see the list of helpful resources below:

  • Health811
  • Toronto Health and Social Services Directory
  • Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900 (TTY for people who are deaf, hearing-impaired or speech-impaired: 1-866-797-0007), available in more than 300 languages, Monday to Friday (excluding holidays) from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern time
  • Public health units using their own booking system

COVID-19 Testing

If you have any COVID-19 symptoms (even if mild) and are at higher risk of severe illness, you may seek testing. Click here to find free rapid antigen test near you.

Protect yourself from flu

Flu vaccinations for all Torontonians

Starting October 31, residents of Toronto can conveniently receive both their updated COVID-19 vaccine and their annual flu vaccine in one visit.

Flu vaccination can be received at the following locations:

  • Local pharmacies and walk-in centres (call to confirm availability)
  • Primary health care providers (doctor or nurse practitioner)

Support and Services in the Downtown East Toronto

Both vaccines are free for people six months of age and older who live, work or attend school in Ontario. Please note, OHIP card may be requested by local providers.

Below is a list of services for the community of Downtown East Toronto (subject to updates):