Key messages for all healthcare professionals
- Influenza vaccines that will not be administered this season can now be returned to Public Health:
- By vaccine courier with your next vaccine delivery.
- In person during designated vaccine pick-up hours outlined on the vaccine distribution schedule:
- Halton Regional Centre, 1151 Bronte Rd., Oakville, L6M 3L1 Facilities Service Counter (Room E2-15B); Tuesdays 9-11:30 a.m. (South distribution weeks only) or Wednesdays 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
- Health@280, 280 Guelph St., Unit 76, Georgetown, L7G 4B1; Tuesdays 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. (North distribution weeks only)
- Returned vaccines must be in unpunctured vials or pre-filled syringes. Partial/punctured multi-dose vials must be disposed of at your facility as per regulation (external link) and guidelines (external link) by the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change for biomedical waste (external link).
- To return, place vaccines in a secure bag. Label the bag with your Facility Name, Holding Point Code (HAL_OK_XXXXX) and mark it as “WASTE.”
- Complete the Non-Reusable Vaccine Return Record (PDF file) and staple it to the outside of the bag.
- Maintain minimal stock of influenza vaccine in cold chain, to accommodate individuals who are seeking influenza immunization between May and August.
- Do not return Beyfortus® or RSV vaccines to Public Health.
- RSV vaccines can continue to be administered to eligible older adults (external link), as they provide longer term, multi-year protection.
- Beyfortus®, which offers short-term protection, should no longer be offered to infants. Any remaining inventory should be kept in cold chain, for use during the 2026/27 RSV season.
Additional resources
Universal Influenza Immunization Program (UIIP), Ministry of Health (external link)