Respiratory illness is circulating widely in the community, and hospitals across the region, including Niagara Health, are experiencing sustained pressure and longer wait times in Emergency Departments.
Emergency Departments are always the right place for serious or life-threatening concerns such as chest pain, trouble breathing, stroke symptoms, severe injuries, or mental health crises. In these situations, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest ED without hesitation.
For non-urgent concerns, consider other care options that may be faster and more appropriate:
- Family doctors, walk-in clinics and nurse practitioner clinics.
- The Niagara North Family Health Team operates After Hours Cough, Cold and Flu Care Clinics on the following days and times through March 30, 2026.
- Mondays and Wednesdays, 4:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- 101 Garrison Village Drive, Niagara-on-the-Lake
- Thursdays, 4:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- 145 Carlton Street, Unit 7, St. Catharines
- Fridays, 4:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- 1338 Fourth Avenue, Suite S100, St. Catharines
- Mondays and Wednesdays, 4:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- Appointments are pre-booked only. Patients can call 289-267-2879 starting at 1:00 p.m. on clinic days to book a same-day appointment.
- Pharmacists, who can prescribe for a range of minor ailments.
- Virtual Urgent Care for same-day, non-emergency concerns. Visit UrgentCareOntario.ca.
- Urgent Care Centres for issues that can’t wait for an appointment but aren’t emergencies. Open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily in Port Colborne and Fort Erie. Make sure to check the Niagara Health website before visiting as hours are subject to change.
As a reminder, respiratory illness season runs until April. Vaccination remains the best defence against severe illness. It’s not too late to get a flu shot, stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccination, or receive the RSV immunization if eligible. Check with your doctor, nurse practitioner or pharmacy for vaccine availability.
Along with vaccination, simple prevention measures, such as keeping distance from others when feeling unwell, washing hands, covering coughs and sneezes, and wearing a mask in public spaces when sick, also help protect the community and ease pressure on healthcare services.
For more information about respiratory illnesses and where to get vaccinated, residents can visit Niagara Region Public Health’s website or their social media channels (@NRPublicHealth, @NiagaraHealth).
Thanks for your help in sharing this information with your teams, clients and networks during this busy winter period and for your continued partnership.
