“Vaccination is the best protection against serious respiratory illness” – Dr. Azim Kasmani, Medical Officer of Health, Niagara Region Public Health.
Residents Are Encouraged To Take Precautions Leading Into The Holiday Season
An Important Message from the Niagara Region Public Health Department
Posted December 5th, 2025 on Niagara At Large
Dr. Azim Kasmani, Medical Officer of Health, Niagara Region Public Health
Niagara Region – Flu activity and other respiratory illnesses are currently rising in Niagara as we enter one of the busiest social periods of the year.
Niagara Region Public Health and Niagara Health are reminding residents to get vaccinated and take simple preventative steps. Taking these precautions helps protect the community and eases pressure on local hospitals.
“Vaccination is the best protection against serious respiratory illness,” said Dr. Azim Kasmani, Medical Officer of Health, Niagara Region Public Health. “With flu, COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses on the rise and holiday gatherings underway, getting vaccinated now helps protect yourself and your loved ones, so everyone can enjoy a healthier holiday season.”
Free flu and COVID-19 vaccines are available for everyone six months and older and can be received at the same time. Book with your doctor, nurse practitioner or pharmacy, or visit Niagara Region Public Health’s website to find where to get vaccinated. [https://www.niagararegion.ca/health/vaccinations/general/default.aspx] Residents should also speak to their doctor to see if they’re eligible for the RSV immunization [https://www.ontario.ca/page/respiratory-syncytial-virus].
Health care teams are preparing for a surge in respiratory illnesses. Hospital admissions often increase as infections rise, and Niagara Health reminds the community that emergency departments and inpatient units may face added strain.
“Our emergency departments are already under pressure, and we see higher patient volumes daily during respiratory illness season,” said Dr. Karim Ali, Medical Director of Infection Prevention and Control, Niagara Health. “Anything we can do to reduce the spread helps keep wait times manageable and preserves care for those who need it most.”
Not every respiratory illness requires emergency care. For non-urgent symptoms, residents are encouraged to know their options for care [https://www.niagarahealth.on.ca/site/know-your-options], including primary care, walk-in clinics, pharmacies and virtual visits.
Small everyday actions can also help reduce the spread of illness and keep more people well through the winter season, including:
- Washing your hands oftenCoughing or sneezing into your elbow or a tissueKeeping indoor spaces well ventilated
- Consider wearing a mask, especially in crowded or enclosed spaces.
- Wearing a mask in public places while sick is also recommended.If you are unwell, keeping distance and waiting until you feel better before gathering with others
- Monitoring symptoms [https://www.ontario.ca/page/protection-respiratory-illnesses#section-1] and seeking medical attention if needed
- Stay informed with the latest respiratory virus updates in Niagara and across Ontario by visiting Public Health Ontario’s Respiratory Virus Tool [https://www.publichealthontario.ca/en/Data-and-Analysis/Infectious-Disease/Respiratory-Virus-Tool].
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