Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

• Health Canada has authorized authorized Arexvy® and Abrysvo™ to prevent lower respiratory tract disease caused by RSV in people 60 years of age and older.
• Through the High-Risk Older Adult Vaccine Program, the RSV vaccine is publicly funded for individuals 60 years and older who meet the following criteria:
  • Residents of long-term care homes, elder care lodges or retirement homes.
  • Individuals in hospital receiving alternate level of care (ALC).
  • Individuals 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.
• Adults 60 years of age and older living in long-term care homes, elder care lodges, and retirement homes will be offered the vaccine through their home/lodge.
• At this time, our hospital and Indigenous community partners are supporting RSV vaccine administration to: hospital ALC patients, dialysis patients, transplant recipients and Indigenous individuals, including those in urban dwellings.
• Adults aged 60 years and older that don’t qualify for the free RSV vaccine, can still purchase the vaccine with a prescription from their primary care provider.
• RSV vaccines can be co-administered with other vaccines.
• Individuals do not need to receive an additional dose if they already received one last season.
• For more information see Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine for high-risk older adults.

The 2024-2025 infant and high-risk children RSV prevention program has ended. Abrysvo should no longer be ordered or administered to pregnant individuals.

• An RSV vaccine, Abrysvo®, is available for pregnant people to help prevent RSV infections in infants
• The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends prioritizing the use of Beyfortus® (nirservimab) for better infant protection against RSV compared to vaccination of the mother during pregnancy due to its effectiveness and long-lasting protection for the infant.
• Pregnant individuals who do not wish or are unable to have their infant receive Beyfortus® at birth may choose to receive a single dose of the RSV vaccine (Abrysvo™) between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. The vaccine helps to create antibodies in the pregnant individual’s immune system to protect the baby from RSV from birth until six months old. It is given near the start of or during the RSV season.
• If an RSV vaccine was administered during pregnancy, it is not recommended for the infant to receive an RSV product at birth, except in certain circumstances.
• Please speak to a health care provider to determine the best approach for you and your unborn infant.

The 2024-2025 infant and high-risk children RSV prevention program has ended. Beyfortus should no longer be ordered or administered to infants, or children.

• The Ontario Ministry of Health expanded the RSV program to include publicly funded immunization with a monoclonal antibody called Beyfortus® (nirservimab) for all eligible infants during their first RSV season and high-risk children up to 24 months of age.
• For the 2024/25 RSV season, Beyfortus®, is publicly funded for infants and children who are residents of Ontario and meet any of the following criteria:
  • Born in 2024 prior to the RSV season.
  • Born during the 2024/25 RSV season.
  • Children up to 24 months of age who remain vulnerable from severe RSV disease through their second RSV season with:
    • Chronic lung disease (CLD), including bronchopulmonary dysplasia, requiring ongoing assisted ventilation, oxygen therapy or chronic medical therapy in the six months prior to the start of RSV season
    • Hemodynamically significant congenital heart disease (CHD) 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 respiratory involvement and/or growth delay
    • Neuromuscular disease impairing clearing of respiratory secretions.
    • Severe congenital airway anomalies impairing the clearing of respiratory secretions.
• Beyfortus® should be administered shortly before or during the active RSV season. For those infants born during the RSV season, Beyfortus® should be administered before hospital discharge.
• Please contact a health care provider to obtain an RSV monoclonal antibody immunization for eligible infants and children.
• For more information see RSV monoclonal antibody Beyfortus for infants facts sheet.

• The majority of RSV infections typically resolve by themselves within one to two weeks.
• Symptoms may be managed at home:
  • Over-the-counter fever reducers and pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Do not given aspirin to children.
  • Drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration.
  • Speak to your health care provider before giving your child non-prescription cold medicines.
• RSV can cause severe illness in some individuals. Call a health care professional if you or your child is having difficulty breathing, not drinking enough fluids, or experiencing worsening symptoms.

Resources

• Ontario Ministry of Health: Respiratory Syncytial Virus
• Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV): Canadian Immunization Guide
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection (RSV)
• Information for parents from Canada’s pediatricians