Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
What is respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)?
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of lower respiratory illness that affects the lungs and airways. Although the virus usually causes mild illness with cold-like symptoms, it can lead to more serious illness for babies, toddlers, older adults and those with underlying health conditions like asthma, chronic heart or lung disease and a weakened immune system.
RSV causes a high number of infections for these vulnerable populations, often resulting in hospitalizations. Vaccination and immunization can reducing severe outcomes from RSV, which may help protect health-care and hospital capacity within our region.
RSV prevention for adults 60 years of age and older
75 years of age and older
Ontario has expanded the publicly funded RSV immunization program to include all individuals 75 years of age and older.
60 to 74 years of age
Publicly funded RSV vaccine is also available to individuals Adults 60 to 74 years of age who meet high-risk criteria, including:
- Residents of long-term care homes, retirement homes, or Elder Care Lodges
- Patients in hospital receiving alternate level of care (ALC)
- Patients receiving dialysis
- Solid organ or stem cell transplant recipients
- Individuals experiencing homelessness
- Individuals who identify as First Nations, Inuit, or Métis
Where to get RSV vaccine in the KFL&A Region |
Eligible individuals 60 years of age and older:
Non-eligible individuals aged 60 years of age and older:
Note: The Ministry of Health does not reimburse for privately purchased vaccines. |
Do I need another dose, if I received the RSV vaccine last season? |
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What is RSV vaccine? |
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Is the RSV vaccine safe? |
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Are there side effects to RSV vaccine? |
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Where can I learn more about the RSV vaccine? |
Find information for older adults, parents and caregivers about the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) programs at the Government of Ontario website. |
RSV prevention infant program
The Ontario government has expanded its RSV program to protect more high-risk populations during respiratory season. Starting in the fall, RSV immunization will be available to infants and toddlers who are:
- Infants born April 1 or after and less than 8 months of age up to the end of the RSV season, and
- Children up to 24 months of age who remain vulnerable to severe RSV disease through their second RSV season, following a discussion with a health care provider, including children with:
- Chronic lung disease (CLD), including bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD)
- Hemodynamically significant cyanotic or acyanotic congenital heart disease (CHD)
- Severe immunodeficiency
- Down Syndrome or Trisomy 21
- Cystic fibrosis with recurrent pulmonary exacerbations requiring hospitalization, deteriorating pulmonary function and/or severe growth delay
- Neuromuscular disease impairing clearing of respiratory secretions
- Severe congenital airway anomalies impairing the clearing of respiratory secretions
If you are unsure whether your child is eligible, contact us to discuss eligibility criteria.
Where to get Beyfortus in the KFL&A region |
New parents delivering in hospital
New parents not delivering in hospital and for infants less than 8 months of age
Infants born April 1 or after and less than 8 months of age up to the end of the RSV season or high-risk children under 24 months of age
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How to protect your baby or toddler from RSV? |
There are two safe and effective ways to protect your baby or toddler from RSV:
Only one of these options is needed to help protect your child from RSV. Using both is not necessary unless recommended by a health-care provider. Canada’s National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends Beyfortus given to a baby as the preferred option to protect against RSV. This is based on how well Beyfortus works, how long it provides protection and how safe it is. |
What is Beyfortus? |
Beyfortus is not a vaccine. It is a preventative antibody (protein) that helps fight the RSV virus. Antibodies are made naturally by our immune system to fight viruses. Beyfortus is a one-time injection that will protect your baby or toddler from RSV for six months. |
Beyfortus eligibility |
Your baby or toddler is eligible to receive Beyfortus during the RSV season (late fall to early spring, typically November to April) in Ontario if they are:
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Is Beyfortus safe? |
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Vaccination in pregnancy |
Abrysvo is a vaccine that can be given to a pregnant person to prevent RSV infection in their baby.
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