Ontario’s Infant and High-Risk Children RSV Prevention Program
There are two products publicly funded (free) offered during this year’s 2025-2026 RSV season.
A monoclonal antibody, Beyfortus®, is given to babies during the active RSV season, to infants and children who meet the following criteria:
- infants born on or after April 1 and aged less than 8 months at the time of immunization
- children up to 24 months of age who meet the following high-risk criteria for severe RSV disease through their second RSV season:
- chronic lung disease (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 impairing clearing of respiratory secretions
- severe congenital airway anomalies impairing the clearing of respiratory secretions
An RSV vaccine, Abrysvo®, may be recommended for pregnant people who are 32 to 26 weeks pregnant and do not wish to or are not able to protect their infant using the monoclonal antibody. Please speak to your health care provider regarding this option.
NACI recommends the monoclonal antibody is over the Abrysvo vaccine during pregnancy.
What is Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)?
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of respiratory illness, particularly among infants, young children, and older adults, affecting the lungs and airways. RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis, a common chest infection that affects infants and toddlers. Immunization is available to help prevent serious outcomes, such as hospitalization, caused by the virus.
Most children will have at least one RSV infection by the age of 2. The infection is most severe in young babies and older adults and can cause serious lung infections that may require hospitalization.
Symptoms
Symptoms of RSV are similar to those of the cold or flu, including:
- coughing
- a runny nose
- fever
- wheezing
- a decrease in appetite and energy
- irritability in children
- Because these are common symptoms, it is easy to mistake RSV for other respiratory illnesses, such as the flu or COVID-19. While most RSV symptoms will go away in a few days, seek medical attention if you or your child have trouble breathing, are not drinking enough fluids or are experiencing worsening symptoms.
Where can I get the monoclonal antibody or vaccine?
RSV products are now available for this RSV season.
- Newborns should be offered the monoclonal antibody (Beyfortus®) prior to your discharge from the hospital where you deliver.
- Eligible infants born before this RSV season can book through:
- Their health care provider or
- RCDHU clinics by calling 613-732-9436 or 1-833-773-0004