Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

Severe RSV infections can result in lung infections or pneumonia in some older adults and those with underlying health conditions. RSV can also lead to worsening of:

• Asthma.
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)— a chronic disease of the lungs that makes it hard to breathe.
• Congestive heart failure — when the heart can’t pump enough blood and oxygen through the body.

Adults who are having difficulty breathing should seek immediate medical attention.

Getting immunized against RSV protects older adults from severe RSV infection.

Who can receive the RSV immunization for free?

For the 2024/2025 RSV Season, Ontario is offering the RSV immunization to older adults who are at high-risk of getting very sick for free. This includes those who are 60 years and older and who are also: 

• Residents of long-term care homes, Elder Care Lodges, or retirement homes 
• Patients in hospital receiving alternate level of care (ALC) including similar settings (e.g., complex continuing care, hospital transitional programs) 
• Patients receiving hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis 
• Recipients of solid organ or hematopoietic stem cell transplants 
• Individuals experiencing homelessness 
• Individuals who identify as First Nations, Inuit, or Métis 

Talk to your doctor or a Public Health Nurse at 905‑546‑2424 ext. 7556

RSV Immunization for Babies

RSV is a serious respiratory virus that can make babies very sick. It is spread in the air from coughing or sneezing. The virus can also survive on surfaces like counters and doorknobs. If your baby catches RSV, they may have the following symptoms:

• Fever
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Trouble breathing

If your baby is having trouble breathing or you are worried, please see a health care provider.

• There are safe and effective ways to protect your baby or toddler from getting sick with RSV.
• Your baby or toddler can be immunized against RSV with Beyfortus®. 
• The pregnant parent can get an RSV immunization called Abrysvo a few weeks before the baby is born. 
• Giving Beyfortus® directly to your baby provides the best protection, but Abrysvo® is another good option.

Most babies only need Beyfortus® or Abrysvo® to be protected from RSV. Talk to your health care provider for more information.

Babies born in 2024 can receive Beyfortus® just before and/or during RSV season.

• Babies must be less than one year at the time of the immunization unless they meet the high-risk eligibility criteria.
• For example, if your child was born January 20, 2024, they are eligible to get Beyfortus until January 19, 2025.

RSV Immunization for Toddlers 

Children up to 24 months with the following high risk medical conditions may be eligible for RSV immunization:

• Chronic lung disease 
• Congenital heart disease 
• Severe immunodeficiency
• Down syndrome/Trisomy 21
• Cystic fibrosis 
• Neuromuscular disease 
• Severe congenital airway anomalies 

RSV immunization for Pregnant People

The RSV immunization Abrysvo® can be given during pregnancy. The immunization helps the pregnant person’s immune system protect their baby. The protection lasts for six months after the baby is born.

A pregnant person can receive the RSV immunization for free. The immunization is given between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy if the baby will be born between October and March.

Ontario is implementing the RSV Prevention Program for the 2024/2025 season. The program will focus on protecting infants and older adults. 

Adults aged 60 years and older who meet the eligibility criteria for publicly-funded vaccine can be vaccinated with Aryexvy® or Abrysvo®. One dose provides multi-year protection, so individuals who received the vaccine last year do not need to be vaccinated again. The RSV vaccine can be co-administered with COVID-19 and Influenza vaccines. 

The expanded infant program includes a switch from the previous monoclonal antibody, Synagis® (palivizumab), to the monoclonal antibody Beyfortus® (nirsevimab). The Ministry of Health covers the full cost of Beyfortus® for all infants born in 2024, those born during the 2024/2025 RSV season and children up to 24 months of age at high risk of severe RSV disease. Abrysvo® is also approved and publicly-funded for use during pregnancy to protect the infant after birth if that is the parent’s preferred option. NACI recommends immunization of the infant with Beyfortus® over vaccination of the pregnant parent with Abrysvo®.