Ontario's Seasonal Respiratory Pathogen Guide

To: Health Care Professionals in Niagara
From: Environmental Health Division, Niagara Region Public Health
Reference: Ontario's Seasonal Respiratory Pathogen Guide
Date: September 2, 2025

As we prepare for the 2025/2026 respiratory season, we are sharing key highlights from the following Seasonal Respiratory Pathogen Guide and memo. The goal is to support readiness and response efforts across all sectors, especially those serving vulnerable populations.

Background

Respiratory pathogens such as influenza, RSV and COVID-19 typically circulate from November through April, increasing demands placed on the health care system during that time period. The upcoming season is expected to follow patterns similar to recent years, with overlapping risks from multiple illnesses/infections. Both pediatric and older adult populations remain at higher risk for severe illness.

Key Readiness Priorities

Please review the recommendations under each of the following priorities:

1. Surveillance and Reporting

Monitor for respiratory symptoms among patients, clients, children and staff
Report suspected outbreaks and unusual illness clusters to Public Health promptly
- The Environmental Health Duty Officer can be reached at 905-688-8248 Ext. 7590 or by email at inspect@niagararegion.ca

2. Immunization for Influenza, COVID-19 and RSV (where eligible)

Promote staying up to date with immunizations
Administer vaccines to eligible individuals (e.g. patients, staff, residents in long-term care and retirement homes)
- Long-term care and retirement homes that are unable to administer influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can consider connecting with a local pharmacy
- Doctors’ offices not administering influenza or COVID-19 vaccines can refer patients to participating pharmacies. Advise parents/guardians of younger children to call ahead for availability.
Recommend individuals keep receipts for these vaccines with their personal immunization record (yellow card)

3. Testing and Treatment Access

Be aware of eligibility for publicly funded testing and treatment, including Ontario’s Test-to-Treat policy
Support timely access to antivirals and outpatient treatment, especially for high-risk individuals

4. Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC)

Review outbreak management and IPAC policies
Ensure staff are trained in core practices such as hand hygiene, masking and use of PPE
Maintain sufficient PPE supplies and equipment
Congregate living settings can contact Niagara's IPAC Hub for further support with education, auditing, outbreak planning and building IPAC capacity
- The IPAC Specialist can be reached through the Environmental Health Duty Officer at 905-688-8248 Ext. 7590 or by email at inspect@niagararegion.ca

5. Outbreak Response and Communication

Collaborate with Public Health for outbreak management and prevention measures
Share information with families, caregivers, and community partners in clear and accessible ways.
- For more information, visit our Common Respiratory Illnesses Webpage

6. Equity and Vulnerable Populations

Consider the needs of underserved populations, including unhoused individuals, children, older adults and those with limited health care access
Work with community partners serving Indigenous, newcomer, racialized and low-income populations to address barriers to care and treatment

Next Steps

Please review your organization’s outbreak and respiratory season preparedness plans
Share this memo with your teams and ensure readiness activities are in place before the fall season
Public Health will continue to provide updates, guidance and support as needed throughout the season
- Facilities approved for the Universal Influenza Immunization Program (UIIP) will be receiving an influenza vaccine allotment form in September

More Information

Thank you for your continued commitment to protecting our community during the upcoming respiratory season. For more information, please contact the Environmental Health Duty Officer at 905-688-8248 Ext. 7590 or by email at inspect@niagararegion.ca.