Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccines

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a respiratory virus that infects the nose, throat, and lungs resulting in cold-like symptoms. It usually starts spreading in the fall and peaks in the winter months. RSV infection can happen at any age but is particularly severe in infants and older adults, often leading to significant lung infections requiring hospitalization especially in those with underlying health conditions such as asthma, chronic heart or lung disease, and those with weakened immune systems.

The Ontario RSV prevention program offers a monoclonal antibody (preventative antibody), Beyfortus^®, given to babies and high-risk children born before or during the RSV season.

Infant Program Eligibility

Your child will be eligible if they are born on or after April 1st, 2026 AND are less than 8 months of age.

High-Risk Children Program Eligibility

Children less than 24 months of age who remain vulnerable to severe RSV disease,
following a discussion with their pediatric specialist including children with:

• Chronic lung disease (CLD), including bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD),
  defined by need for ongoing respiratory support and supplemental oxygen therapy
  at 36 weeks postmenstrual age (gestational age at birth plus chronological age) or
  discharged home, if earlier.
  • Note: Children who were less 12 months of age and approved for coverage
    in the previous RSV season for chronic lung disease and
    bronchopulmonary dysplasia remain eligible, irrespective of their clinical
    status in the second RSV season.
• Hemodynamically significant cyanotic or acyanotic congenital heart disease (CHD)
  defined as infants requiring corrective surgery or are on cardiac medication for
  congestive heart failure or diagnosed with moderate to severe pulmonary
  hypertension.
• Severe immunodeficiency
• Down syndrome/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

Monoclonal antibody (preventative antibody)

Monoclonal antibodies are medicines that act like natural antibodies. Antibodies are proteins that your immune system makes. They help defend against a threat, like bacteria and viruses.

RSV products will be available just before and during peak RSV season:

• For newborn infants born in hospital during the RSV season:  Beyfortus^® is recommended before hospital discharge. Local birthing hospitals and midwives will provide the preventative antibody.
• Eligible infants born before the RSV season can access the preventative antibody through their regular health care provider.
  • For infants born before the RSV season, without a regular health care provider, appointment bookings for the preventative antibody are available at OPH through Kids Come First -Vaccinate and Up-to Date Clinics.
  • For high-risk children 12 to 24 months, the preventative antibody can be given by pediatricians, primary care providers, in hospital or outpatient clinics; please speak to your health care provider in these settings about the preventative antibody.

• The RSV vaccine is available to people who are 28 to 36 weeks pregnant and who will deliver during the RSV season.
• Being vaccinated during pregnancy helps your immune system create antibodies that protect the baby from RSV from birth until 6 months old.
• Pregnant people should consult with their health care provider before receiving Abrysvo^®.
• Administration of both Abrysvo^® during pregnancy and Beyfortus^® to the infant is NOT routinely recommended.
• Eligible pregnant people without a primary care provider may be able to access the vaccine at an Ottawa Public Health Immunization Clinic, call our Contact Centre at 613-580-6744 for more information.

The Ontario Ministry of Health is currently publicly funding the High-Risk Older Adult RSV Vaccine Program for Ontario residents who did not receive a dose in previous RSV seasons and who are:

• Individuals aged 75 and older
• Individuals aged 60–74 who are also: 
  • Residents of a long-term care home, Elder Care Lodge, or retirement home 
    including similar settings e.g., co-located facilities
  • Recipients of a hematopoietic stem cell transplant within the past two years or with 
    ongoing immunosuppression
  • Individuals on home oxygen or requiring chronic oxygen therapy, regardless of 
    residence
  • Patients in hospital receiving alternate level of care (ALC) including similar settings 
    (e.g., complex continuing care, hospital transitional programs)  
  • Patients with glomerulonephritis (GN) who is moderately to severely 
    immunocompromised  
  • Patients receiving hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis 
  • Recipients of solid organ transplants
  • Individuals experiencing homelessness
  • Individuals who identify as First Nations, Inuit, or Métis (FNIM) 

People who meet one of the criteria for the publicly funded High-Risk Older Adult RSV Vaccine Program are encouraged to check with their primary care provider to receive the RSV vaccine, or the setting in which they are eligible (such as their hospital specialist or program, or retirement home) for information on how to get the vaccine. Eligible older adults without a primary care provider may be able to access the vaccine at an Ottawa Public Health Immunization Clinic, call our Contact Centre at 613-580-6744 for more information.

If you don't qualify for a free/ or publicly funded vaccine, you can still purchase the vaccine at a pharmacy with a prescription from a primary care provider; visit the Ontario RSV page for information.

Do I need the RSV vaccine if I had it already?

Studies show multi-year protection. If you received a dose of RSV vaccine during the 2023-2024, 2024-2025 or the 2025-2026 season, you do not need to receive another dose this season. Studies are ongoing to determine how long protection lasts.

• Use over-the-counter acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever and pain. Do not give ibuprofen to babies under six months old without first speaking to your health care provider. Never give aspirin to children.
• Offer plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. If your baby is having trouble drinking, try to clear nasal congestion with a bulb syringe or saline nose drops.
• A lukewarm bath or wet face cloth may help your child feel more comfortable. Avoid cold baths because they can make your child shiver, raising their temperature.
• Dress your child in light clothing. If your child starts to shiver, add warmer clothing and remove them when the shivering stops.
• Consult your health care provider before giving your child non-prescription cold medicines or if you have concerns about your child’s symptoms.

Immunization

Consider RSV Immunization if eligible, especially for infants and children at higher risk. 

For Adults (including older adults and caregivers): 

• Wash your hands often, especially after being in public spaces or caring for someone who is ill. 
• Avoid touching your face (eyes, nose, mouth) with unwashed hands. 
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when you cough or sneeze. 
• Disinfect high-touch surfaces at home and work (e.g., doorknobs, phones, counters). 
• Wear a mask: 
  • If you're feeling unwell or recovering from illness. 
  • In crowded indoor spaces during RSV season. 
  • To protect vulnerable individuals, like infants or older adults. 

For Parents and Caregivers of Infants and Children: 

• Ensure caregivers and visitors wash their hands before holding or feeding your child. 
• Limit close contact with people who are sick, especially during RSV season. 
• Keep shared toys and surfaces clean and disinfected regularly. 
• Avoid exposing infants to crowded places when RSV is circulating widely.