Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of respiratory illness, especially in infants, young children, and older adults. RSV is a virus that affects the lungs and airways. It is the most common cause of bronchiolitis, an inflammation of the small airways in the lung, and pneumonia in young infants and toddlers.
Immunization is available to help prevent serious outcomes, such as hospitalization and admission to intensive care units. The Ontario Ministry of Health has RSV prevention programs to help people that are at high risk of an RSV infection.
Infant and high-risk children RSV prevention program
This program covers the full cost of immunization in infants and high-risk young children (see eligibility criteria below) to help prevent serious infections. The immunization is given just prior to and during the active RSV season (usually November to April). Ontario Ministry of Health
What injections are currently available for infants and high-risk young children?
There is one injection that is currently available and covered for infants and high-risk young children who meet eligibility criteria. This injection is called Beyfortus.
Beyfortus is an injectable monoclonal antibody. Monoclonal antibodies do not activate the immune system as would happen with a vaccine, but instead the antibodies themselves protect against the disease.
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends Beyfortus as the preferred product to protect infants, based on its:
For more information about the Beyfortus monoclonal antibody, click here.
Who is eligible for the Beyfortus monoclonal antibody?
The Beyfortus (monoclonal antibody) is recommended and currently funded for RSV prevention for:
1. All infants 8 months of age or less during their first RSV season
2. Children 24 months of age or less going into their second RSV season if they are high risk. High risk criteria for these children include:
How to get the RSV injection (Beyfortus) for infants and children
For infants 8 months of age or less:
The RSV vaccine Abrysvo is also recommended on a case-by-case basis for pregnant people to protect the infant. Ontario Ministry of Health
High-risk older adult RSV program
Ontario will continue the high-risk older adult RSV vaccine program that was introduced in 2023 with expanded eligibility in 2024–25. The vaccine is indicated for adults aged 60 years and older.
Ontario’s publicly funded RSV prevention program is targeted for high-risk older adults and settings. The RSV vaccine Abrysvo or Arexvy is recommended and publicly funded for all people 60 years of age and older that meet the following criteria:
If you received an RSV vaccine last year, you do not need another vaccine this year.
How to get the RSV Vaccine if you meet the criteria
Older adults who meet the criteria above will be able to get the RSV vaccine from their specialist or in their home care setting. They will not be able to get the vaccine from the TW FHT.
If you would like to learn more about the vaccine, book an appointment with your primary care provider (doctor or nurse practitioner) to discuss the vaccine.
If you do not meet the criteria above but would like to discuss the RSV vaccine you can book an appointment with your primary care provider.
People that do not meet the adult criteria and want the RSV vaccine must get a prescription from your provider and pay out-of-pocket for it at a pharmacy. The cost may be covered if you have private drug coverage. Once purchased, you can book an appointment with a nurse at our family health team to receive the vaccine.
To note: Primary care providers cannot order publicly funded vaccine supply for patients wishing to purchase it privately.
Online resources:
Monoclonal Antibody for Infants and High-risk Children - Beyfortus Fact Sheet
ProtectingYourChildFromRSV.pdf RSV Fact Sheet.pdf EN_Abrysvo in Pregnancy Fact Sheet.pdf