Respiratory Virus Season Preparedness 2026-2027

Introduction

During this respiratory season, immunizations for influenza, COVID-19 and RSV are critical to reducing impacts of respiratory viruses, along with early assessment and timely treatment of eligible high-risk patients. Together we can reduce the health impacts of respiratory viruses on the community and reduce healthcare system impacts.

Key Messages

• Protection is key:
  • Encourage and facilitate influenza, COVID-19 and RSV vaccination for your patients, especially those who are at higher risk.
  • Consider, as appropriate, co-administration of COVID-19 and influenza vaccine, as along with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine or monoclonal (MAB) product to eligible individuals to maximize uptake.
• Where antiviral treatment is indicated for high-risk eligible patients, timely administration is important to reduce the risk of complications and severe outcomes.
• In congregate living settings, including long-term care homes (LTCHs) and retirement homes, advance planning for antiviral treatment can help reduce delays during respiratory outbreaks.

Context

As the 2026/2027 respiratory season begins, information on local respiratory virus transmission can be found on the Hamilton Public Health Respiratory Virus Dashboard. Provincial respiratory data can be found on the Public Health Ontario Respiratory Virus Tool

Influenza Treatment:

Ontario Health's Recommendations for Antiviral Therapy of Seasonal Influenza provides guidance on antiviral treatment for adults and children, including recommendations for different patient populations and clinical circumstances.

In congregate living settings, early treatment is particularly important for residents at increased risk of severe outcomes. Advance prescribing arrangements, where appropriate, can help ensure treatment is initiated without unnecessary delays during an influenza outbreak.

COVID-19 Treatment:

Ontario Health’s COVID-19 Clinical Guidelines and Resources provides guidance on antiviral treatment for adults with COVID-19, including eligibility criteria, treatment options, and prescribing considerations. Health care providers should refer to the current provincial recommendations when assessing patients for treatment.

Recommendations

• Promote prevention: Recommend individuals to stay up to date with age and risk appropriate respiratory vaccinations including influenza, COVID-19 and RSV and to follow other recommended measures to reduce the spread of respiratory viruses.
• Assess patients early: Identify patients at increased risk of severe COVID-19 or influenza outcomes and arrange prompt clinical assessment when symptoms develop.
• Utilize current treatment guidance to inform decision-making: Consult Ontario Health's clinical resources to determine eligibility, select an appropriate antiviral, and review contraindications, drug interactions, dosing, and access considerations.
• Do not delay indicated influenza treatment: Initiate antiviral therapy as soon as possible when clinically indicated, without waiting for laboratory confirmation.
• Plan ahead for congregate living settings: Work with LTCHs, retirement homes, and other relevant settings to support timely clinical assessment, prescribing arrangements, and treatment initiation during respiratory outbreaks.

Additional Resources

• Ontario Health: COVID-19 Clinical Guidelines and Resources
• Ontario Health: Influenza Clinical Guidelines and Resources
• AMMI Canada: Use of antiviral drugs for seasonal influenza
• Public Health Ontario: Antiviral Medications for Seasonal Influenza in the 2026-27 Season
• Ministry of Health: COVID-19 Testing and Treatment
• City of Hamilton: Respiratory Illnesses
• City of Hamilton: Respiratory Vaccines

Contact

To report a suspect or confirmed respiratory outbreak, contact the Hamilton Public Heath Infection Prevention and Control Program at 905-546-2063 during regular business hours. For after-hours, weekend, and holiday outbreak reporting, call 905-546-2489 and ask to speak with the Public Health Inspector on call. For clinical questions regarding antiviral prescribing, consult the relevant Ontario Health guidance and the appropriate clinical or pharmacy support services.

For more information about the COVID-19, influenza, and the RSV vaccine programs, please call 905-540-5250.

Health care providers seeking to onboard for PGW and administer COVID-19 vaccines should contact Hamilton Public Health at: [email protected].