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Immunization

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccine

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of lower respiratory illness affecting the lungs and airways, particularly among infants, young children, and older adults. RSV often causes cold-like symptoms and is the most common cause of bronchiolitis, a chest infection that affects infants and toddlers.

Individuals are most likely to catch RSV when the virus is most active. The RSV season in Canada is generally from November to April.

High-risk Older Adult RSV vaccine program

The high-risk older adult RSV program will continue into the spring for those eligible who have not already been vaccinated.  

For more information on the RSV Vaccine click here.

Through the high-risk older adult vaccine program, the Ministry of Health covers the full cost of the vaccine for the following adults aged 60 years and older who are:

  • Residents of long-term care homes, Elder Care Lodges, or retirement homes, including similar settings (e.g., co-located facilities)
  • Patients in hospital receiving alternate level of care (ALC) including similar settings (e.g., complex continuing care, hospital transitional programs)  
  • Patients 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

 

Anyone in these groups who has already received RSV vaccine is not to receive an additional dose at this time.


Please speak with your health care provider if you have questions regarding eligibility and to book an appointment.  If you do not have a health care provider and meet the above criteria please call us at 705-721-7520 ext 8827 to book an appointment.
Individuals aged 60 years and older who do not qualify for the free RSV vaccine can still purchase the vaccine with a prescription from their family doctor or other primary care provider. Some private insurers may cover all or part of the cost of the vaccine.

Infant and High-Risk Young Children RSV immunization program

The 2024-2025 infant and high-risk young children RSV prevention program has ended for the season. Please check back in the fall for more information.

For more information on the RSV prevention program click here

  • The 2024-2025 infant and high-risk young children prevention program has ended and doses of Beyfortus and Abrysvo should no longer be administered to infants, children, or pregnant individuals.
  • To ensure protection through respiratory season, it is recommended children receive their dose of Beyfortus in the fall as the immunization offers 6 months of protection.

 

This product is NOT currently available for purchase in the private market.

Please speak with your health care provider if you have questions regarding eligibility.

Page last updated: April 4, 2025

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