Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV )

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.

Preventing RSV

A free RSV prevention program is available for all infants, high-risk children & high-risk older adults in Ontario.

In addition to the available RSV prevention programs you can protect yourself and reduce the spread of the virus by following a few easy steps:

  • Wash your hands often and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
  • Disinfect high-touch surfaces in your home and workplace.
  • Wear a mask:
    • To protect yourself from viral respiratory illnesses.
    • To protect others at higher risk of severe respiratory illness.
    • When you’re recovering from illness.
RSV prevention for infants and high-risk young children

The Ontario RSV prevention programs offers two free options during the upcoming RSV season for protection against severe illness from RSV.

  • A monoclonal antibody, Beyfortus®, given to babies born before or during the RSV season (November to April)
  • An RSV vaccine, Abrysvo®, may be recommended for pregnant people who do not wish to or are not able to protect their infant using the monoclonal antibody.

I am pregnant, am I eligible?

  • The RSV vaccine is available to people who are 32 to 36 weeks pregnant and who will deliver near the start of or 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®.
What is the recommended option for my infant? 

The monoclonal antibody for infants is the recommended option over vaccination in pregnancy to protect infants.
This is based on:

  • how well it works
  • how long it protects for
  • safety profile of the monoclonal antibody, Beyfortus®
  • recommendations from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI)

Generally, only one product is needed for protection.

Is my child eligible?

Your child will be eligible if they are:

  • born in 2024 prior to the RSV season, and under 1 year of age
  • born during the 2024–25 RSV season (November to April)
  • children up to 24 months of age who are at risk from severe RSV disease through their second RSV season, following discussion with a health care provider; which includes those with:
    • chronic lung disease of prematurity (CLD), including bronchopulmonary dysplasia/chronic lung disease
    • hemodynamically significant congenital heart disease (CHD)
    • severe immunodeficiency
    • Down Syndrome/Trisomy 21
    • cystic fibrosis with respiratory involvement and/or growth delay
    • neuromuscular disease
    • severe congenital airway anomalies impairing the clearing of respiratory secretion.

What is a monoclonal 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.

Where to get the monoclonal antibody or vaccine ?

The monoclonal antibody is expected to be available by the middle of October in time for RSV season.

Infants born in hospital or receiving treatment at a children’s hospital:

  • Will be offered the monoclonal antibody in these locations.

Infants not born in a hospital or born before the RSV season:

  • At your regular health care provider such as a pediatrician, family doctor or nurse practitioner
  • If you do not have a health care provider:
    • When the monoclonal antibody becomes available you will be able to get it at a Kids Come First clinic; check back here soon for appointment booking information.

The RSV vaccine for pregnant people is currently available, please speak to your regular health care provider. This vaccine will not be available at Ottawa Public Health clinics because the recommended product for RSV prevention is the monoclonal antibody for infants.
RSV prevention for older adults

The Ontario Ministry of Health is currently publicly funding the High-Risk Older Adult RSV Vaccine Program for people 60 years and older who did not receive a dose in the 2023-2024 season and who are:

  • Residents of long-term care homes, Elder Care Lodges, or retirement homes
  • Patients in hospital receiving alternate level of care (ALC;)
  • 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. 
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 season, you do not need to receive another dose this season. Studies are ongoing to determine how long protection lasts.
Where can I get the vaccine ?

Ottawa Public Health is working directly with long-term care homes and retirement homes in Ottawa, and our partners working with people who experience homelessness, to facilitate administration of vaccines to people eligible in these settings.

Ottawa Public Health is also working with its hospital partners and partners working with First Nations, Inuit and Métis People to ensure they have adequate vaccine supply for their clients.

People who meet one of the criteria for the publicly funded High-Risk Older Adult RSV Vaccine Program are encouraged to check with 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.

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 Ontario.ca/RSV for information.
How to treat RSV at home 

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.

 

Helpful Resources

Download our respiratory illness factsheet, also available in French and Inuktitut. 

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