Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is recommending that eligible residents at higher risk of severe illness protect themselves against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) this respiratory illness season. RSV is a respiratory virus that can be particularly severe in infants and older adults. Immunization against RSV can help prevent serious health outcomes, including hospitalization. Publicly funded immunization is available for infants, high-risk children, pregnant individuals, and eligible older adults.
RSV protection for infants and high-risk children:
It is recommended that infants and high-risk children receive protection against RSV this respiratory season. Beyfortus®, a monoclonal antibody (preventative antibody), is the recommended product for RSV immunization for infants as per National Advisory Committee Immunization (NACI). Beyfortus® is recommended for infants due to its effectiveness, long-lasting protection (up to 6 months), and safety.
The Ontario Ministry of Health indicates that infants and children eligible for immunization against RSV include those who meet any of the following criteria:
- born in 2024 prior to the RSV season, and under one year of age
- born during the 2024–2025 RSV season (November 2024 to April 2025)
- children up to 24 months of age who are at higher risk of severe RSV disease through their second RSV season which includes children with:
- chronic lung disease of prematurity (CLD), including bronchopulmonary dysplasia/chronic lung disease
- hemodynamically significant congenital heart disease (CHD)
- severe immunodeficiency
- Down Syndrome/Trisomy 21
- cystic fibrosis with respiratory involvement and/or growth delay
- neuromuscular disease
- severe congenital airway anomalies impairing the clearing of respiratory secretion
“Each viral season, CHEO sees a large number of infants who have RSV, some which require admission and some which require intensive care. While we have provided the RSV immunization to infants who have been deemed high-risk for almost 20 years, this new more broadly distributed initiative, has the potential to be a real difference maker for families and our hospitals. Infants who receive this immunization are less likely to be hospitalized or become so sick with RSV that they need to seek medical attention” said Dr. Charles Hui, Chief of Infectious Diseases, Immunology and Allergy, CHEO
For newborn infants born in hospital during the RSV season, Beyfortus® is recommended before hospital discharge. Local birthing hospitals and midwives will provide the preventative antibody and be available to answer any questions parents may have. Eligible infants born before the RSV season can access the preventative antibody through their regular health care provider. For high-risk children 12 to 24 months, the preventative antibody can be given by pediatricians, primary care providers, in hospital or outpatient clinics. OPH will offer Beyfortus® to infants without access to a pediatrician or primary care provider who are born in 2024 and are less than one year of age, and to infants born during the 2024-2025 RSV season. Starting today, appointments can be booked through the Kids Come First webpage.
Vaccination during pregnancy:
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends Beyfortus® as the preferred product to protect infants. Pregnant individuals who are unable to or do not wish to give the preventative antibody to their infant may receive an RSV vaccine called Abrysvo®. Abrysvo® is currently available to individuals who are 32 to 36 weeks pregnant and who will deliver near the start of or during the RSV season. Being vaccinated during pregnancy helps the immune system create antibodies that protect the baby from RSV from birth until 6 months old. Pregnant individuals can consult with their healthcare provider to learn more. Please note that this vaccine is not available at OPH clinics.
RSV protection for older adults:
Abrysvo® and Arexvy® are Health Canada-approved vaccines for preventing RSV-related lower respiratory tract disease in individuals 60 years of age and older, currently available for high-risk older adults. The Ontario Ministry of Health is funding the vaccine for adults 60 years of age and older, who did not receive a dose last season, and who are:
- Residents of long-term care homes, Elder Care Lodges, or retirement homes
- Patients in hospital receiving alternate level of care (ALC)
- 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
OPH began distributing RSV vaccines to high-risk settings in August. Publicly funded doses are offered directly through higher risk settings and specialists. Please note that this vaccine is not available at OPH clinics. Adults 60 years of age or older and not eligible for the publicly funded vaccine, can speak to their healthcare provider or pharmacist about receiving the RSV vaccine through private purchase.
Respiratory virus prevention:
To protect yourself and reduce the spread of RSV and other respiratory viruses, wash your hands often, avoid touching your face, cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, disinfect high-touch surfaces, and wear a mask to protect yourself and others, especially when recovering from illness. Stay home when sick and avoid visiting people at high-risk of severe illness when you are sick (including people living in long-term care, retirement homes or in hospital). OPH also recommends everyone aged 6 months and older to get the updated COVID-19 vaccine and their annual flu vaccine to protect against serious illness this respiratory illness season. Both vaccines will be available to the general population starting October 28, 2024.
Ottawa Public Health monitors respiratory virus trends, including RSV, and provides regular updates on social media and online at OttawaPublicHealth.ca/RespVirus. For more information on RSV, including prevention, please visit OttawaPublicHealth.ca/RSV. You can also connect with OPH on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.
For more information on City programs and services, visit ottawa.ca, call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401) or 613-580-2400 to contact the City using Canada Video Relay Service. You can also connect with us through Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.