News

Expanded RSV to Protect Most Vulnerable

NIPISSING — Vic Fedeli, MPP for Nipissing announced the Ontario government is expanding the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) prevention program to include all individuals aged 75 years and older, helping to protect those most vulnerable during the upcoming respiratory illness season.

“Our government is taking action to protect ourselves and our loved ones by expanding RSV immunizations for individuals 75 years of age or older, ensuring our community stays safe and healthy,” said MPP Vic Fedeli. “Routine and recommended immunizations help prevent the spread of serious diseases, reduce medical visits, and keep our local residents out of the hospital.”

Beginning this fall, RSV immunization will now be available through Ontario’s publicly funded RSV immunization programs to all individuals aged 75 and older, building on last year’s expansion of the programs that also includes:

• Certain high-risk adults aged 60 to 74, such as residents of long-term care homes or retirement homes
• Infants up to eight months of age in their first RSV season
• High-risk children up to 24 months of age in their second season

Pregnant women will have the option to receive the RSV vaccine Abrysvo®, which can help provide protection to infants at birth, while eligible newborns, infants and high-risk children can receive the Beyfortus® immunization. More details on where families will be able to access RSV immunization will be provided in the coming weeks.

Everyone is strongly encouraged to stay up to date on their immunizations, especially children returning to school who may have missed routine vaccines. Infectious diseases can spread among children and adolescents at school who are not vaccinated. As a parent, you can keep your kids healthy with routine health care and vaccines. 

QUICK FACTS

• Information about recommended immunizations for the upcoming respiratory illness season, including when to get your flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine, will be available closer to the fall.
• Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that infects the nose, throat, and lungs. Infection is most severe in young babies and older adults and can cause serious lung infections that may require hospitalization. RSV infection can also make chronic health problems worse.
• Pregnant women should consult with their health-care provider before receiving Abrysvo®.
• Every time your child gets a routine immunization, report it to your local public health unit to ensure their records for the ISPA are up to date. Health-care providers do not report these records for you.
• Under Ontario’s Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA), students must provide proof of immunization against diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella and whooping cough to attend school.
• Talk to a health-care provider or public health unit if you are unsure if your child has missed routine immunizations or if you are unsure about which immunizations they have received.
• Visit Health811 online or call 811 (TTY: 1-866-797-0007 toll free) for health advice and information 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

•  Your Health: A Plan for Connected and Convenient Care
• Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) prevention programs
• Vaccines for Children at School