(RSV) Respiratory Syncytial Virus

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

• A monoclonal antibody (preventative 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.

What is the recommended option for my infant?

The monoclonal antibody (preventative 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 on or after April 1st, 2025 AND are less than 8 months of age
• children up to 24 months of age who are at risk from severe RSV disease due to a health condition through their second RSV season due to specific health conditions, following discussion with a health care provider:
• 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 (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.

Where to get the monoclonal antibody (preventative antibody) or vaccine?

Book an appointment

RSV products will be available just before and during peak RSV season (October 1^st to end of March):

• 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 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.

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®.

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:

• 75 years of age and older
• 60-74 years of age and who are:
• Residents of long-term care homes, Elder Care Lodges, or retirement homes;
• Patients in hospital receiving alternate level of care ;
• 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; and
• Patients with glomerulonephritis who are moderately to severely immunocompromised.

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 or 2024-2025 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?

Book an appointment

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. Older adults without a primary care provider may be able to access the vaccine through an Ottawa Public Health Immunization Clinic

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.

Please note: Ottawa Public Health’s RSV vaccination clinics do not offer COVID-19 or flu vaccines at the same time as the RSV vaccine.
Please visit our dedicated vaccine pages on where to get the COVID-19 and flu vaccines.

• 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.

Preventing RSV

RSV can affect people of all ages, but infants, young children, and older adults are at higher risk of severe illness. Here’s how you can help prevent the spread:

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. 

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