‘Bridging a gap:’ Children’s Hospital at LHSC opens RSV immunization clinic for those without a primary care providerChildren’s Hospital at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) has begun offering RSV immunization to eligible patients who do not have a primary care provider.
The
RSV Immunization Clinic, located in the Paediatric Medical Day Unit, was created to "bridge a gap” between infants who have a primary care provider and those who do not, says Erin Fleischer, the nurse practitioner who oversees the program.
“The goal of the clinic is to promote health equity and serve members of the community who might not otherwise have access to the immunization,” Fleischer says. “By working alongside local primary care providers to immunize as many infants as possible, we’re able to help reduce the burden RSV can have on this high-risk population and on our health-care system at large.”
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that can cause cold-like symptoms or severe – sometimes life-threatening – lung infections, especially in infants and older adults. Each fall and winter, it’s responsible for a surge in emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalizations, alongside influenza and COVID-19.
The immunization, Nirsevimab, is a long-acting monoclonal antibody that provides immediate passive immunity against RSV infection. While immunization does not stop a child from getting an RSV infection, it has been shown to reduce the chance of serious illness and the need for hospitalization by 80 per cent. The Ontario Ministry of Health began covering its cost for all eligible patients who live in Ontario this fall.
All infants born on or after January 1, 2024, are eligible to receive their immunization at the twice-weekly clinic if they don’t have a primary care provider.
Nirsevimab will also be offered to all infants born at LHSC during respiratory illness season and to eligible inpatients and outpatients at Children’s Hospital.
The maternal RSV vaccine, Abrysvo, is available in LHSC’s Obstetrical/Gynecology Ambulatory Clinic for eligible pregnant persons who wish to pass RSV antibodies onto their babies before birth instead.
“Every parent of an eligible child is highly encouraged to consider having them immunized for RSV,” says Fleischer. “We know that Nirsevimab is highly effective at preventing RSV-related hospitalization and are thrilled to be able to offer it to our community.”
Media Contact:Jess Brady
Communications Consultant
London Health Sciences Centre
226-927-7486
jess.brady@lhsc.on.ca