Ministry of Health releases 2026–2027 Seasonal Respiratory Pathogens Guide

Posted On: October 23, 2026

The Ontario Ministry of Health has released its updated Seasonal Respiratory Pathogens Guide for the 2026–2027 fall and winter season to support health system preparedness and response to respiratory illnesses.

In a September 22, 2026 memorandum, Chief Medical Officer of Health (CMOH) Dr. Kieran Moore indicated that influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and other respiratory pathogens are expected to present risks similar to pre-pandemic years. Seasonal activity may place increased pressure on the health system, particularly through impacts on older adults, long-term care and retirement home residents, and children. COVID-19 also continues to pose a risk as new variants emerge.

The updated guide outlines expectations for health system partners in areas including surveillance, risk communications, immunization, testing, treatment, infection prevention and control, and outbreak management. Key updates include plans to establish new immunization targets for health-care workers, older adults, infants, and long-term care home residents. Further details on these targets are expected in a future communication.

The Ministry also emphasizes the importance of coordinated planning, ongoing monitoring, and equitable access to prevention and care to help mitigate the impacts of seasonal respiratory illnesses.

Naturopathic doctors are encouraged to review the updated guide and the CMOH memorandum to support awareness of provincial respiratory illness preparedness priorities and relevant public health guidance.

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