Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Information for Health Professionals

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a respiratory virus that is a major cause of lower respiratory illness, especially among infants, young children, and older adults. It starts to spread in the fall and peaks in the winter months. It can cause cold-like symptoms that are difficult to distinguish from other respiratory infections.

For more information on clinical signs and symptoms, surveillance, laboratory testing, IPAC, reporting and patient resources, please see Respiratory Viruses Information for Health Professionals.

For information on how to order the RSV vaccine, visit TPH’s Vaccine Ordering Webpage. For information about the 2025-2026 RSV vaccines, including eligibility and administration details, review the Ontario Ministry of Health factsheets for health care providers:

    For regular vaccine updates throughout respiratory season, subscribe to TPH’s physician e-newsletter (Communiqué). Current and past issues are available at News & Announcements for Health Care Providers.

    Homebound Vaccination

    Toronto Paramedic Services’ (TPS) offers fall vaccines (influenza, COVID-19 and RSV) to eligible homebound patients*. Health care providers can now begin referring homebound patients using the referral template.

    A new referral for homebound individuals is required for TPS to administer influenza, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines this fall, even if the patient has previously received a homebound vaccination. Referrals to TPS should only be made by health care providers when they are not able to administer these vaccines to the homebound patient.

    *Homebound Patient Definition:

    • Individuals with medical, physical, cognitive, or psychosocial needs/conditions that inhibit them from visiting a pharmacy or a health care provider to receive influenza, COVID-19, and RSV vaccinations.
    • Transportation and other strategies to remedy access issues have been considered but are not available or not appropriate in the individual’s circumstances.
    • Live in the City of Toronto (have an “M” postal code address).

    Reporting Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI)

    An AEFI is an unwanted or unexpected health effect that happens after someone receives an injection, which may or may not be caused by the vaccine/monoclonal antibody. A causal relationship does not need to be proven before reporting. Of particular interest are unusual or unexpected events, or serious reactions requiring urgent care.

    Toronto health care providers are required to report all Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI) to Toronto Public Health (TPH) under the Health Protection and Promotion Act.

    To report, fax the completed AEFI Reporting Form (Public Health Ontario) to 416-696-3492 or email the completed form to AEFI@toronto.ca.

    Most people who get RSV recover on their own within one to two weeks. However, RSV can cause severe illness in some people, and medical attention and treatment are needed. Antiviral medication is not routinely recommended to fight infection.