Important information regarding influenza and COVID-19
This memorandum is to provide you with the most up-to-date information regarding the 2025-26 Universal Influenza Immunization Program (UIIP) and COVID-19 vaccine.
Influenza
South East Health Unit (formerly hastings Prince Edward Public Health) will not be holding general community Influenza/COVID clinics this year.
- Pharmacies and health-care providers (HCPs) will be the primary source of vaccine administration.
- Public health will assist in immunizing some priority populations.
- Public health will focus on individuals under the age of five years without a health-care provider
It is recommended that all individuals ages six months and older who live, work, or attend school in Ontario receive the influenza and COVID-19 vaccine. Early doses of influenza vaccine are prioritized for high-risk individuals. Information on high-risk population eligibility can be found at ontario.ca/page/universal-influenza-immunization-program
Vaccine ordering and distribution (hospital, LTCH, RH, HCP etc.)
NOTE: Dates below are approximate and dependant on when we receive vaccine from the Ontario Government Pharmacy. HCPs will be notified if these dates change.
Influenza vaccine initial ordering timelines: SUBMIT HIGH RISK ORDERS now.
- Orders for long-term care homes, retirement homes, congregate care, health-care providers for high-risk patients (supply limited) can be submitted starting Sept. 22, 2025 with pickup at the Belleville office starting Oct. 6.
- Orders for general population can be submitted the week of Oct. 13, 2025, and be picked after Oct. 27, 2025.
Pickup/delivery schedule for branch offices (All offices closed noon to 1 p.m.)
- Quinte West: Initial vaccine orders will be available at the Trenton office starting Oct. 7 (office is only open Monday to Wednesday). To make other arrangements, please contact 613-966-5500, ext. 222.
- Centre Hastings: Orders will be delivered to your office Oct. 6, Oct. 17, Nov. 7 and Nov. 21.
- Bancroft (office only open Tuesday and Thursday): Orders will be available for pick up at the Bancroft office on Oct. 7, Oct. 21, Nov. 11 and 25..
- Prince Edward County: Orders will be available for pick-up at the Picton office on or after Oct. 6 and Oct. 16. Subsequent orders will be available on regular delivery schedule of first and third Thursday of the month.
COVID 19
Ontario’s COVID-19 vaccine program has transitioned to an annual program, similar to the Universal Influenza Immunization Program (UIIP).
Individuals six months of age or older and those who have not started or completed their primary series are recommended to finish their primary series.
It is recommended that all other individuals six months of age or older receive one dose of COVID-19 vaccine.
General populations
All individuals (six months of age and older) who do not belong to the high-risk or priority populations described below may receive COVID-19 vaccine dose(s) in the fall, starting on Oct. 27, 2025.
High-risk and priority populations
The following individuals should receive COVID-19 vaccine dose(s) and a flu shot as soon as they become available in the fall (ahead of Oct. 27):
- Individuals at increased risk of COVID-19 disease including:
- Adults 80 years and older
- Adult residents of long-term care homes and other congregate living settings for seniors
- Individuals six months of age and older who are moderately to severely immunocompromised (due to specific a underlying condition or treatment)
- Individuals 55 years and older who identify as First Nations, Inuit, or Métis and their non-Indigenous household members who are 55 years and older
- Individuals at increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 exposure or severe COVID-19 disease including:
- Residents in long-term care homes and other congregate living settings who are aged 17 years and under
- Pregnant individuals
- Individuals from First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities who are aged 54 years and under
- members of underserved communities
- Health-care workers and other care providers in facilities and community settings as per NACI
- Individuals who would benefit from co-administration with influenza vaccine including:
- Children six months to four years of age
- Individuals with significant exposure to birds or mammals through interactions with birds or mammals (such as poultry, livestock, slaughterhouse and processing plant workers, wildlife officers/researchers, and veterinarians)
Orders for COVID vaccine can be placed using the COVID vaccine order form. COVID Vaccine will be available for ordering the week of Sept. 29.
Important things to consider when planning for Influenza and COVID- 19 vaccine orders:
- Reorders for influenza vaccine will be accepted when our supply is replenished by Ontario Government Pharmacy (approximately mid- to late-October).
- HCPs are encouraged to review their previous year’s vaccine administration quantities to assist in planning for first fall vaccine orders.
- HCP vaccine orders may be reduced based on the health unit’s current supply, past ordering amounts, usage, and wastage. We are committed to the equitable distribution of all fall vaccines across the regions, while ensuring wastage is minimized.
- Use this year’s Influenza Vaccine Order Form. Do NOT use the routine Vaccine/STI Medication Order Form.
- All orders must be faxed to 613-966-8145, along with four weeks of fridge temperature logs.
- COVID-19 Vaccine can be ordered (use this form) at the same time if you have previously ordered COVID vaccine from us. You must have a COVAXon account for documentation of the COVID vaccine. Please ensure your COVAXon account is active prior to planned clinics.
Please note COVID vaccine is not yet available. We are awaiting release of new vaccine. - For more information, call the Vaccine Information Line at 613 966-5500, ext. 222.
For more information about the 2025-2026 UIIP please visit ontario.ca/page/universal-influenza-immunization-program.
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