Medical Advisory
Universal Influenza Immunization Program (UIIP) 2026/2027 Implementation Package
This memo provides information regarding the Universal Influenza Immunization Program (UIIP) for the 2026/2027 fall respiratory season.
For sites that have confirmed their participation, initial flu vaccine shipments for the UIIP are expected to begin late September to early October, with approximately 45% of last year’s usage provided for health care providers and 100% for congregate care settings. Immunization of high priority populations can begin as soon as the vaccine is available.
As a primary care provider your initial allotment is pre-determined by Hamilton Public Health based on your previous year’s usage. This process ensures an equitable distribution of influenza vaccine to all health care providers upfront.
Further information regarding the COVID-19 vaccine and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) immunization programs for the 2026/2027 will be provided soon.
Key Dates:
- Once influenza vaccine is received – Begin immunization of high-priority populations
- October 19th – Start date for placing additional flu vaccine orders
- October 26th – Flu vaccine available for general public
- November 1st – Recommended planned start for large scale clinics to ensure sufficient supply.
Resources including the Health Care Provider letter, Q&A documents and product monographs, can be found at: Hamilton Public Health – Flu Vaccine (www.hamilton.ca/fallrespiratoryvaccines)
Further information about the UIIP (https://www.ontario.ca/page/universal-influenza-immunization-program) and for tools you can use to help your clients make an informed decision about influenza (http://www.ontario.ca/flu) vaccines, please visit the Ministry’s website.
If you wish to confirm your initial allotment, please contact Hamilton Public Health at 905-546-2424 Ext. 2161 or by email at [email protected].
Publicly Funded Products
Highlight of changes: Removal of the B/Yamagata strain as it has not circulated since 2020, updated influenza vaccine strains, updated dates for 2026/2027 influenza season, updated tables with vaccine product details.
The products available this year are Fluzone®, Fluviral, Flucelvax®, Fluzone® High-Dose, and Fluad®, Vaccine allocation and distribution will be based on product availability.
Vaccine Orders
After using the initial allocation of influenza vaccine, please use the standard fall respiratory vaccine order form available at www.hamilton.ca/Vaccine-HealthCareProfessionals to order additional influenza vaccine on or after October 19th, 2026.
Up until October 26th, 2026, influenza vaccine should only be administered to the high priority populations identified.
Co-administration
As we move into the fall and prepare for another respiratory season, we ask that you please consider, as appropriate, co-administration of COVID-19 vaccine and influenza vaccines, as well as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine or monoclonal antibody (MAb) product to eligible individuals whenever possible and appropriate to maximize uptake and protection.
COVID-19 and RSV vaccine products are anticipated to arrive later this week. Further information on availability and ordering will be shared once supply is received.
Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI)
Health care professionals are reminded to report adverse events following immunization to the Medical Officer of Health within 7 days of recognizing the reportable event. Please use the Public Health Ontario AEFI form https://www.publichealthontario.ca/en/health-topics/immunization/vaccine-safety Completed reports should be faxed to Public Health at 1-844-444-0295.
It is not necessary to report expected events such as injection site reactions and mild fever. Unexpected, severe, and unusual adverse events should be reported promptly.
For more information about UIIP, please call 905-546-CITY (2489).
Attachments found at www.Hamilton.ca/flu:
Tags
Public Health
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
Flu Vaccine
Medical Advisories
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