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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

Ontario is continuing the high-risk older adult RSV vaccine program that was introduced in 2023 with expanded eligibility (see below) in 2024/2025. The vaccine is indicated for adults aged 60 years and older.

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
  • 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

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 Ministry of Health has expanded the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) immunization program for infants and young children for the 2024-25 season. RSV remains a significant cause of respiratory illness among infants and young children.

For more information on the RSV prevention program click here

For the 2024/25 season RSV protection is publicly funded for the following infants and children:

  • 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 to 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 (Note: Children who were < 12 months of age and approved for coverage in the previous RSV season for chronic lung disease and bronchopulmonary dysplasia remain eligible.)
    • 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

This product is now available in limited supply, with additional supply expecting in the coming weeks.  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: October 23, 2024

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