November 2026
The flu season came early and with a wallop. But here’s why you should still be racing out to get vaccinated: All 116 virus samples tested this year in Canada match the strains targeted by this year’s flu shot, according to data shared online by Dr. Isaac Bogoch, a physician of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases at the University Health Network in Toronto.
A bad case of the flu – of any respiratory illness, in fact – can change the life of a senior in a matter of days by triggering cascading health issues that require hospitalization and threaten future independence.
Thankfully, flu shots are widely available across provincial health jurisdictions, but seniors should ask their pharmacist or healthcare provider about the availability of the high-dose flu vaccine, formulated specifically for those over the age of 65.
And that leads us to COVID-19. In its fall 2026 guidance, the National Advisory Committee on Immunization identified all adults 65+ as being at increased risk of severe COVID-19, and strongly recommended immunization programs for this group.
But a national recommendation does not automatically mean a national vaccination program. Uptake is too low and access is still inconsistent across Canada. CARP is leading the charge by patient groups calling for governments to close that gap.
Provinces and territories determine who receives publicly funded vaccines based on considerations including epidemiology, cost-effectiveness and implementation feasibility.
That creates an important equity question. Two Canadians of the same age, with the same health risks, can potentially face different costs or eligibility rules depending on where they live.
CARP is working to change that.
Alberta illustrates why access needs to be part of Canada’s vaccination conversation. Eligibility for publicly funded COVID-19 vaccination has been targeted to groups considered at higher risk, rather than simply treating age 65 as a universal gateway to publicly funded vaccination.
CARP contends that if NACI considers all adults 65+ to be at increased risk, public funding should follow the expert recommendation rather than creating a patchwork of eligibility rules.
Limited access and cost barriers hamper uptake of the vaccines.
In the 2025–26 season, only 49% of Canadians 65+ received a COVID-19 vaccine, compared with 64% who received one for the flu.
It’s true that COVID no longer dominates everyday life, but it continues to pose a serious health threat that’s on par with the flu. And here’s some good news: by this time next year, getting vaccinated in the fall will be made easier, with a singular flu-COVID shot expected to be available.
Why is choosing to vaccinate so important for older adults? A survey by the Canadian Institute for Health Information released in 2025 highlighted the increased risk of long-term complications for more than 80 per cent of seniors living with at least one chronic condition – like diabetes, hypertension or heart disease.
In simpler terms, the older you get, the more at risk you are to severe and lasting implications from a respiratory infection.
Dr. Ronald Grossman, an acclaimed respirologist and Professor of Medicine at the University of Toronto, asks, why aren’t we talking more about prevention?
In an interview for Zoomer Radio’s The Experts, he called vaccines the truest form of life insurance. Getting what’s recommended for your age group and your particular health circumstances, could save your life.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus or RSV is another vaccine you should consider getting, especially if you have or have underlying health issues or are over the age of 75. That is the benchmark age for the NACI recommendation.
CARP’s advocacy on adult vaccines is improving access to the RSV vaccine for older adults across the country. Ontario, Nova Scotia, PEI, New Brunswick, Newfoundland & Labrador have all now introduced blanket coverage for those 75+, Manitoba has the shots for 80+ and Quebec for those 75+ in congregate settings. Even British Columbia, a province that has lagged behind others on vaccination programs, has expanded public access to RSV vaccinations for all adults 75+ as part of a one-year program.
RSV is a highly contagious respiratory virus infecting the nose, throat, lungs and breathing passages. And because of limited testing for it, it is highly under-diagnosed and often underestimated for its severeness, even by doctors.
Unlike the need for annual flu and COVID-19 shots, only one dose of RSV vaccine is required because it provides long-lasting protection. It is safe to get the RSV vaccine at the same time as your flu and COVID-19 shots.
Together, these viruses contribute to significant morbidity, reduced quality of life and use of healthcare resources, particularly among older adults, underscoring the need for more effective vaccination strategies.
And if you’re not already in touch with your doctor, healthcare provider or pharmacist to book your appointments, here’s another reason not to delay: Clinical data is emerging from multiple studies to demonstrate how vaccines can provide health protections beyond the specifically-targeted disease.
Take for example the shingles vaccine. Shingles can lead to significant and lasting health issues – and one in three adults is at risk. With a 97% success rate at preventing a serious case, the two-shot shingles vaccine is clearly a smart tool for preventing the virus. But there is more to it than that.
There are clear benefits of being immunized for shingles for those with compromised cardiovascular health. A massive study analyzing the health records of over 72,000 adults found that those who received the recombinant vaccine – the vaccine currently on offer through some provincial public programs – had a 9% lower overall burden of cardiovascular disease over a seven-year period compared to those who received the older version of the vaccine. This included a 10% reduction in ischemic heart disease, a 12% reduction in heart failure, and a 12% lower risk of stroke specifically in men. Source: Nature Medicine Study (August 2026).
And there’s a correlation between the shingles vaccine and a lower risk or slowed progression of dementia. Emerging research indicates that the shingles vaccine is associated with a 20% lower likelihood of developing dementia over a seven-year follow-up period. Furthermore, separate data looking at individuals already living with dementia suggested that vaccination could reduce the likelihood of dying from dementia by nearly 30%, effectively slowing down the underlying degenerative process. Source: Stanford Medicine / Nature / Cell Research Portfolio.
So while you’re getting your seasonal shots, consider rolling up your sleeves for the shingles vaccine too.
Want to know more? Health Canada maintains information pages on specific conditions and the adult vaccines for them.
Learn more about:
Pneumococcal Disease (including Pneumonia)
Getting provincial governments to fund the gap between what is offered and what is expert-recommended continues to fuel CARP’s healthcare advocacy. Policy changes are needed to better protect a population that remains at greater risk of serious outcomes from respiratory illness.
And access matters. Which is why CARP applauded the expanded scope of practice across the provinces for pharmacists – who are accessible in most communities and can get those vaccines into the arms of the Canadians who need them.
With pharmacies now key distribution points across the country, getting immunized is easier than it’s ever been. Making use of public programs is key to ensuring these programs remain in place for the future.
Vaccination is about preserving health and independence. That means:
- avoiding hospitalization
- avoiding complications
- protecting independence
- staying active
- maintaining social connections
- avoiding disruption to family life
- protecting the health-care system
You can also visit the Vaccines and Immunizations page for more resources.
