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 ensuring the most vulnerable have access to the tools they need to protect themselves and their family during respiratory illness season," said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. "We’re once again expanding RSV immunization which will now include everyone 75 years of age and older so we can help protect more seniors and reduce unnecessary hospitalizations this fall and winter.”
Starting 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.
“As we prepare for the upcoming respiratory illness season, it’s essential that we take proactive steps to protect those most at risk and reduce pressure on our health-care system,” said Dr. Kieran Moore, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health. “Ontario’s RSV immunization programs for infants, high-risk children, high-risk adults over 60 and everyone aged 75 and older is a critical part of our strategy to prevent severe illness, hospitalizations, and complications, especially among those most vulnerable to respiratory infections.”
Routine and recommended immunizations help prevent the spread of serious diseases throughout communities, reduce medical visits and keep people out of the hospital. Everyone is strongly encouraged to stay up to date on their immunizations, especially children returning to school who may have missed routine vaccines.