For information about Fall Flu and COVID-19 vaccine clinics, including clinic schedules, eligibility, booking information, and announcements, visit:

• Fall Vaccine Clinics: Flu, COVID-19, and RSV 

 

RSV Immunization

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) can cause serious illness in infants and young children, especially those with certain medical conditions. 

A free RSV immunization program is available for eligible infants, high-risk children, and pregnant individuals to help protect against severe RSV illness. Immunization can reduce your child’s risk of serious complications and hospitalization during RSV season. 

Protection can be provided either through: 

• an RSV immunization given directly to an eligible infant or high-risk child, OR 
• an RSV vaccine received during pregnancy, which helps protect the baby after birth. 

Both of these options are safe and effective. Only one of them is needed to help protect a child from RSV. Using both the immunization and the vaccine is not needed unless recommended by a healthcare provider.  

See detailed information below regarding eligibility, immunization products, and where to get vaccinated.

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RSV Immunization Clinics: Infants & High-Risk Children

RCDHU offers RSV immunization clinics for infants, high-risk children, and pregnant individuals who qualify. Immunization will be offered throughout RSV season, from October to March.

See below for a complete list of eligibility criteria.

Book an Appointment 

To book an appointment at an RCDHU clinic:

• Book Online: Online Appointment Booking
• Call: 613-732-9436 or 1-833-773-0004

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Infants & High-Risk Children

 

About the RSV Prevention Program:

Nirsevimab (Beyfortus®) is a free RSV prevention immunization available to eligible infants and high-risk children through Ontario’s publicly funded RSV Prevention Program. It helps protect against serious RSV illness during the fall and winter months and can reduce the risk of hospitalization.

Who is eligible for RSV immunization? 

Infants and certain high-risk children will become eligible to receive the RSV immunization in early fall. Eligibility is set by the Ministry of Health and includes:

• Infants and children who reside in Ontario and who meet any of the following criteria:
  • Infants born April 1 or after and less than 8 months of age at the time of immunization.
  • Children less than 24 months of age who remain vulnerable to severe RSV disease, following a discussion with their pediatric specialist. See below for more details.

High-Risk Children Eligibility:

Children up to 24 months of age who remain vulnerable from severe RSV disease through their second RSV season, with:

• • Chronic lung disease (CLD), including bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), defined by need for ongoing respiratory support and supplemental oxygen therapy at 36 weeks postmenstrual age (gestational age at birth plus chronological age) or discharged home, if earlier.
    • Note: Children who were less 12 months of age and approved for coverage in the previous RSV season for chronic lung disease and bronchopulmonary dysplasia remain eligible, irrespective of their clinical status in the second RSV season.
  • Hemodynamically significant cyanotic or a cyanotic congenital heart disease (CHD)defined as infants 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 recurrent pulmonary exacerbations requiring hospitalization, deteriorating pulmonary function and/or severe growth delay
  • Neuromuscular disease impairing clearing of respiratory secretions
  • Severe congenital airway anomalies impairing the clearing of respiratory secretions

Eligibility is set by the Ministry of Health and may change over time. For the most up-to-date eligibility information, visit Respiratory Syncytial Virus | ontario.ca.

Where can my child get an RSV Immunization?

This fall, RSV immunizations may be available through the following providers:

• Hospitals (for newborns only)
• RCDHU’s Infant & High-Risk Children RSV Clinics (see above)
• Participating primary care providers (family doctors or nurse practitioners)
• Participating obstetricians (OB-GYN) and midwives

Speak with your health care provider to see if RSV immunization is the best option for your child.

 

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Pregnant Individuals

 

About the RSV Prevention Program: 

Abrysvo® is a free RSV vaccine available to eligible pregnant individuals through Ontario’s publicly funded RSV Prevention Program. When given during pregnancy, the vaccine helps pass protection to the baby before birth, helping reduce the risk of severe RSV illness and hospitalization during the baby’s first RSV season.

While this vaccine is safe and effective, it is generally recommended that eligible infants and high-risk children receive the RSV immunization given directly to them, as it provides the strongest protection against severe RSV illness.

Who is eligible for the RSV prevention program?  

Starting in early fall, the RSV vaccine is available to:

• Individuals who reside in Ontario, who are 28 to 36 weeks pregnant and are expected to deliver during the RSV season

Please note: If a pregnant individual has received the RSV vaccine, the infant will not be eligible to receive the infant RSV immunization (Beyfortus®), except in very specific cases. Please consult with a healthcare provider to discuss the most appropriate product for you and your child.

Eligibility is set by the Ministry of Health and may change over time. For the most up-to-date eligibility information, visit Ontario’s: Respiratory Syncytial Virus.

Where can pregnant individuals get an RSV Immunization?

This fall, RSV vaccines are available for eligible pregnant individuals who meet the Ministry of Health’s eligibility criteria.

RSV vaccines may be available through the following providers:

• Participating primary care providers (family doctors or nurse practitioners)
• Participating obstetricians (OB-GYN) and midwives
• RCDHU’s Infant & High-Risk Children RSV Clinics (see above)