The Government of Yukon announces rollout of COVID-19 and flu vaccines

Press Release

10/10/2023

Starting October 16, the COVID-19 vaccine and the flu vaccine will be available to Yukoners in a phased approach. Both vaccines are strongly recommended and remain the best source of protection during the respiratory illness season. Yukoners are strongly encouraged to receive both vaccines during the same appointment, which is both safe and convenient.

From October 16, high-risk Yukoners, including those who are 65 and older and who are immunocompromised, will be eligible to receive both vaccines. Starting October 23, all other Yukoners six months and older will be eligible for vaccination.

All Yukoners are encouraged to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, regardless of their previous vaccination status, to ensure the safety of both individuals and the wider community.

Yukoners can book appointments at Yukon.ca/en/appointments, at participating pharmacies, or walk into the nearest health centre. Walk-ins may result in higher wait times; therefore, Yukoners are encouraged to book an appointment online to avoid delays.

In light of the ongoing respiratory illness season, it is essential for us to be proactive in our battle against these diseases. I encourage all eligible Yukoners to receive both the flu and COVID-19 vaccinations. By doing so, not only do you protect your own health, but you also play a significant role in promoting a safer, healthier Yukon for all.

Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee

This fall and winter, COVID-19 and flu vaccines are a key step in staying healthy and well. Almost everyone is eligible and getting these vaccines can improve your protection against having severe disease from these respiratory illnesses.

Yukon Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Sudit Ranade

Quick facts

• High-risk Yukoners including those over 65 years of age are eligible to receive the flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine starting October 16.
• The rest of the population becomes eligible for these vaccines on October 23.
• Yukoners can book appointments at Yukon.ca/en/appointments, at participating pharmacies, or walk into the nearest health centre that accepts walk-ins. The COVID-19 vaccine is formulated to combat the Omicron XBB variant and is licensed for individuals as young as six months.
• As a reminder, the Whitehorse vaccine clinic is now located at Northern Vision Development (NVD) Place at the corner of 4th Avenue and Ogilvie.
• Everyday personal protective measures, like frequent handwashing and staying home when sick, are other actions you can use to reduce illness.
• Children aged zero to six months of age are at higher risk of severe influenza and are not eligible for vaccines. Ensuring vaccination of eligible household members may reduce exposure in infants during this stage of development, along with other routine practices (such as handwashing).

Media contact

Renée Francoeur
Cabinet Communications
867-334-9194
renee.francoeur@yukon.ca

Zachary Burke
Communications, Health and Social Services
867-334-7986
zachary.burke@yukon.ca

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