Ontario is once again offering publicly funded (FREE) protection against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and is expanding the program from older adults to also include infants born in 2024 up to 1 year of age and high risk children under 2 who meet specific criteria.
What is RSV?
An RSV infection is most severe in young babies and older adults and can sometimes lead to serious infections like pneumonia or bronchitis.
Each year in Ontario during the RSV season (October-April, peaking in December) a significant number of infants and children under 2 are hospitalized, with many cases requiring intensive care stays.
There are two options to protect infants and high risk children under 2 years available for FREE to Ontario residents who are eligible:
Medication given to infants called Beyfortus®
Vaccine given during pregnancy called AbrysvoTM
Beyfortus®
This medication is given by injection and contains monoclonal antibodies that mimic natural antibodies.
Infants born in 2024 up to 1 year of age are eligible.
This product is also available for children up to 24 months of age who remain vulnerable from severe RSV disease through their second RSV season, following discussion with a health care provider. See page 2 of the Ontario Ministry of Health Beyfortus® fact sheet (French) for a list of health conditions that make children vulnerable.
It is strongly recommended to receive this protection as soon as it is available to maximize protection BEFORE the virus begins to circulate in the fall season.
This vaccine is given to pregnant individuals between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy if they will deliver near the start of or during RSV season (November-April).
The monoclonal antibody approach to protecting infants with the BeyfortusTM medication is recommended over vaccination in pregnancy.
The monoclonal antibody approach to protecting infants is recommended by Canadian immunization experts based on the safety profile of the medication, how well it works and how long the protection lasts.
Receiving both AbrysvoTM and Beyfortus® (monoclonal antibody) is not necessary unless the infant is high-risk (e.g., certain medical conditions such as cardiac disease).
Pregnant people should discuss their options with their health care provider.
Received an RSV vaccine last year? Studies show multi-year protection so if an individual received a dose of RSV vaccine during the 2023-2024 season, they do not need to receive another dose this season. The timing for another dose is unknown at this time but studies are ongoing to determine how long the vaccines provide protection.
There are two RSV products (Arexvy® and Abrysvo®) available for FREE to any resident of Ontario who is 60 years old or older AND a member of any of the following groups:
residents of long-term care homes, Elder Care Lodges, or retirement homes
patients in hospital receiving alternate level of care (ALC) including similar settings (for example, complex continuing care, hospital transitional programs)
patients receiving hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis
recipients of solid organ or hematopoietic stem cell transplants
those experiencing homelessness
those who identify as Indigenous including First Nations, Inuit, or Métis
It is strongly recommended to receive this protection as soon as it is available to maximize protection BEFORE the virus begins to circulate in the fall season.
Born January to September:
Thunder Bay and surrounding rural communities: Contact your health care provider OR make an appointment for a TBDHU clinic to be held at 999 Balmoral Street this fall by calling (807) 625-5908.
No health care provider and living in Thunder Bay?
Contact the Lakehead Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic 807-475-9595 as they are now accepting infants 0-18 months without a health care provider and can provide immunizations, including RSV, and well-baby visits.
District communities: contact your health care provider. Families unable to access the vaccine through their provider should call their nearest branch office.
Born after October 2024:
Infants will be offered the medication in hospital; if not, contact your health care provider.
No health care provider and living in Thunder Bay?
Contact the Lakehead Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic 807-475-9595 as they are now accepting infants 0-18 months without a health care provider and can provide immunizations, including RSV, and well-baby visits.
No health care provider and living in the District? Contact your nearest branch office to speak with a nurse.
Pregnant
Available: Currently available.
Provider: Discuss with your health care provider.
Long-term care residents
Available: Starting August 2024
Provider: Staff in long-term care homes will provide the vaccine to residents. Please ask staff for more information and a schedule.
Residents of retirement home and assisted living for seniors facilities
Available: As of end of September to early October 2024.
Provider: Community providers visiting the homes will provide the vaccine. Please ask staff for more information and a schedule
Patients in hospital receiving an alternate level of care (ALC)
Available: Available soon
Provider: In hospital, health care provider
Patients receiving hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis
People who are at least 60 years old can order the RSV vaccine and pay out of pocket with a prescription from their health care provider, even if they don’t belong to any of the priority groups listed above.
The Ontario Ministry of Health does not reimburse but some private insurers may cover all or part of the cost of the vaccine.
This vaccine CANNOT be brought to TBDHU for administration. Your pharmacist may be able to administer it. Confirm with your pharmacy if they can administer the RSV vaccine to you, and if not book a follow up appointment with the prescribing health care provider.
This page provides basic information only. It must not take the place of medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always talk to a health care professional about any health concerns.
For Further Information
Call (807) 625-5900 or toll-free 1-888-294-6630 to speak with a nurse about the vaccine options OR ask for an infectious disease nurse if you have questions about an RSV infection.
