Cold, Flu and COVID-19 Resources

Last updated: January 29, 2024

As a community member, here's what you can do to be protected against cold, flu and COVID-19 this season:

  • Get vaccinated
  • Choose well-ventilated spaces whenever possible
  • Wear a well-fitted mask in crowded indoor settings
  • Stay home if feeling sick
  • Test for COVID-19 if symptoms exist
  • Wash hands frequently

Where to get the COVID-19 vaccine

The general population can get the updated COVID-19 vaccine at the following locations. The updated COVID-19 vaccine better protects against the new Omicron XBB variant.

  • Your local pharmacy
    • Please contact your local pharmacy to confirm availability.
  • Your primary care provider (e.g. family doctor or nurse practitioner)
    • Please contact your primary care provider to confirm availability.
  • Toronto Public Health is offering Novavax and paediatric COVID-19 vaccines for the following individuals:
    • Anyone aged 12 years and older who wants to get the Novavax vaccine
    • Infants and children aged six months to five years who want to the updated COVID-19 mRNA vaccine
    • Book an appointment at a community clinic on Toronto Public Health’s website.
  • Other clinics found at Ontario.ca/bookvaccine
  • Homebound vaccinations are available for specific eligible individuals.
All individuals aged six months and older are encouraged to get the updated COVID-19 vaccine as soon as it is available to them and it has been at least six months since their last COVID-19 dose or infection (whichever is longer).

Where to get the flu vaccine

The general population can get the flu vaccine at the following locations:

  • Your local pharmacy
    • Please contact your local pharmacy to confirm availability.
  • Your primary care provider (e.g. family doctor or nurse practitioner)
    • Please contact your primary care provider to confirm availability.
All individuals aged six months and older are encouraged to get the flu vaccine as soon as it is available to them. It is safe to get the COVID-19 vaccine and flu vaccine at the same time or around the same time.

Where to get other vaccines for school-aged children

To help school-aged children catch up on their routine vaccines, Toronto Public Health is offering vaccines under Ontario’s Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA) and Student Immunization Program (SIP). This act and program require students to be vaccinated against certain vaccine-preventable diseases or have a valid exemption to avoid suspension from school.

Vaccines include those for Hepatitis B, BPV, diphtheria, tetanus, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, meningococcal, pertussis and varicella (if born in 2019 or later). School-aged children can get these vaccines at Toronto Public Health’s community clinic locations, including a clinic at Scarborough Civic Centre (150 Borough Dr.)

Vaccines are available by appointment only. Book an appointment at a community clinic on Toronto Public Health’s website. 


Have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine or flu vaccine?

Call one of these resources to talk to a doctor, nurse or other healthcare provider who can answer your questions about vaccines and other health-related topics.


What to do if you have cold, flu and COVID-19 symptoms

If your symptoms are severe and potentially life-threatening (e.g. shortness of breath or chest pain), please call 9-1-1 immediately or go to your nearest hospital emergency department.

If your symptoms are not life-threatening, take the Ontario Government’s COVID-19 Self-Assessment for recommendations on what to do next. Recommended next steps may include self-isolating or, if you are at higher risk of severe illness, seeking COVID-19 testing and treatment like the Paxlovid pill.

Where to get care for cold, flu and COVID-19 symptoms

If you have an urgent but non-life threatening health issue, such as mild cold, flu and COVID-19 symptoms, we encourage you to contact your family doctor, nurse practitioner or other primary care provider. Find other places to get care in East Toronto at ethp.ca/FindServices.

If you need to go Michael Garron Hospital’s (MGH) Emergency Department, please arrive prepared by reading the information on MGH’s website(opens in a new tab), if you are able to.

Where to get a rapid antigen test (RAT)

If you’re feeling sick or have symptoms of COVID-19, you can keep your loved ones safe by testing for COVID-19. See a list of locations where Toronto Public Health is offering free rapid antigen tests (RATs).

Where to get COVID-19 treatment

If you have symptoms (even if they are mild) and you are at higher risk of severe COVID‑19, seek testing and care immediately by either:

  • Contacting a primary care provider (e.g. your family doctor, nurse practitioner or your treating specialist)
  • Contacting your local pharmacy to find out if there is a pharmacist available that can prescribe Paxlovid 
  • Visiting a Clinical Assessment Centre (available in select areas only)

You can use a rapid antigen test (RAT) if you have one, but it’s important to understand that these tests may be negative in the early stage of infection. If you have symptoms (even if mild) and are at higher risk of severe COVID‑19, seek PCR testing and care immediately if the test is negative or if you don’t have a RAT.

Information about the COVID-19 vaccine

ETHP has developed materials to help our staff, physicians, clients, families and caregivers make confident and educated decisions about the COVID-19 vaccine.

If you have questions or concerns about the vaccine, or are interested in promoting vaccine confidence in your community, we encourage you to read, watch and share the resources below.

Frequently Asked Questions About the COVID-19 Vaccine for Children Aged 5-11

Handout with common questions and answers. Available in Bengali, English, Simplified Chinese and Slovak.

How to Call the Province to Book a Vaccine Appointment

Handout explaining how to book a vaccine appointment using Ontario's booking system. Available in multiple languages.

Community Q&A on the COVID-19 Vaccine for Children and Families — November 2021

A special edition of our Q&A for children aged 5 to 11 and families. Featuring Dr. Janine McCready, Dr. Lopamudra Das and Morgan Livingstone.

Comfort Positions for Vaccinating Children

Handout describing hugging holds that will help your child feel safe and comfortable when they get their COVID-19 vaccine.

How to Prepare Your Child for Their COVID-19 Vaccine

Handout describing steps you can take to help your child have a positive vaccine experience.

Community Q&A on the COVID-19 Vaccine for Youth and Families — June 2021

A special edition of our Q&A for youth aged 12 to 17 and families. Featuring Dr. Janine McCready, Dr. Kimberley Kitto, Sydney Olsen and Azan Alnur.

Community Q&A on the COVID-19 Vaccine — May 2021

Featuring Dr. Janine McCready, Dr. Kimberley Kitto, Matt Wong and Jason Altenberg.

Community Q&A on the COVID-19 Vaccine — April 2021

Featuring Dr. Jeff Powis, Dr. Karen Chu, Sohelia Bonhi and Dr. Kathryn Nichol.

ETHP Vaccine Influencer Poster Template

A poster template that helps ETHP members promote vaccine confidence and uptake at their organizations.

Understanding COVID-19: How Vaccines Work

Video featuring trusted health experts explaining how vaccines help protect our bodies from disease and infection. Sourced from the Yale School of Medicine.

What Everyone Should Know About COVID-19 Vaccines

Whiteboard video that explains the COVID-19 vaccine in plain language. Sourced from Unity Health Toronto.

Youth COVID-19 Vaccination: What to Expect

Youth-centred video outlining what to expect when you get your COVID-19 vaccine. Sourced from SickKids.

Preparing for Your COVID-19 Vaccine: A Guide for Older Adults

Tips to help lessen pain, stress and anxiety during vaccination for older adults. Available in English and French. Sourced from Immunize Canada, Help Eliminate Pain in Kids and Adults, and the University of Toronto.