Getting an RSV immunization is the best way to prevent RSV. Ontario’s publicly funded Adult RSV Prevention Program is available year-round for eligible adults. One dose is needed for protection that lasts several years.
It is safe and convenient to get an RSV immunization at the same time, before or after a flu vaccine, COVID-19 vaccine, and other routine vaccines.
RSV is a respiratory virus that infects the nose, throat, and lungs. RSV season is usually from fall to spring (November 1 to March 31), peaking in December. RSV infection can happen at any age; however, it can be more serious in babies, children under 24 months of age with certain medical conditions, and older adults. It can cause cold-like symptoms but can lead to more serious complications including bronchiolitis, a chest infection that can make infants and toddlers very sick. RSV immunization should continue throughout the RSV season.
Arexvy and AbrysvoTM are vaccines approved by Health Canada to help protect adults aged 60 and older from serious illness caused by RSV. These vaccines reduce the risk of lower respiratory tract disease (LRTD), which can lead to hospitalization and complications like pneumonia. Protection from the RSV vaccine lasts for several years. Vaccination is available year-round and helps reduce serious illness and hospitalizations caused by RSV. One dose is needed for protection that lasts several years.
Infants can be protected through an antibody that is given to newborns and young infants, or a vaccine that is given in pregnancy. Both work to prevent severe RSV infection to infants who are at risk for getting very sick from RSV.
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends vaccination between 28 and 36 weeks* of pregnancy, based on available safety and effectiveness evidence.,
*Administration before 32 weeks gestation is considered off-label and may be recommended by the clinical judgment of your health care provider.
Pregnant individuals should speak with their health care provider about whether vaccination during pregnancy or Nirsevimab for their newborn is the best option. NACI notes that Nirsevimab may provide longer protection against RSV.
There is currently no information on receiving Abrysvo® in subsequent pregnancies. To help protect babies born in a future pregnancy, individuals can talk to their health care provider about their receiving Beyfortus® after birth.
Eligibility for Ontario’s free (publicly funded) RSV prevention program includes:
Adults aged 60 to 74 who are not eligible for the publicly funded vaccine can talk to their health care provider about receiving the RSV vaccine for private purchase at a pharmacy based on their own clinical risk factors. If you have private health insurance plans, speak to your insurer as they may provide coverage.
Note: If an individual previously received a dose of RSV vaccine, they do not need to receive another dose, as booster doses are not currently recommended. Protection lasts for several years.
Nirsevimab (Beyfortus®) is generally not necessary or recommended for an infant who had a confirmed RSV infection during the current RSV season. Infants who are severely immunocompromised and had a confirmed RSV infection may be recommended to get Nirsevimab because of their limited ability to develop a good immune response to the RSV infection.
Abrysvo™ is available pregnant individuals between28 and 36 weeks of pregnancy who will deliver near the start of or during RSV season (November to March 31). The vaccine needs two weeks to provide protection to the infant.
If the AbrysvoTM vaccine is given in pregnancy, the Nirsevimab monoclonal antibody should not be given to the infant (except under specific circumstances such as a high-risk infant born to a pregnant person who received the vaccine). Talk to your health care provider for more information.
Common side effects after getting an RSV vaccine (Arexvy or Abrysvo™) can include pain, swelling and redness where the needle was given, fatigue, fever, headache, nausea, diarrhea, and muscle or joint pain. These are usually mild and last only a few days. Early safety data saw a potential increased rate of Guillain-Barré syndrome after RSV vaccination in adults aged 60 and older. However, these events are rare, and the available data cannot confirm an association at this time. This continues to be monitored closely. Vaccination continues to prevent serious illness in seniors.
Common side effects after getting Nirsevimab include redness, swelling and pain where the needle was given, rash, and fever. These are usually mild and last only a few days.
Delay getting immunized if you:
The presence of a minor illness, such as a cold, should not delay vaccination.
People who have a known hypersensitivity or history of severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a previous RSV immunization or to any part of the vaccine/antibody should not get the immunization.
Seek medical attention right away if you or your child experiences a severe reaction such as hives, trouble breathing, hoarseness or wheezing, a high fever over 40 °C or seizures following immunization, then call Toronto Public Health at 416-338-7600.
RSV vaccines and the monoclonal antibody can be given at the same time as other seasonal and non-seasonal vaccines, for example:
Free (publicly funded) RSV vaccines are available for all adults aged 75 and older at primary care offices. It is not available through pharmacies.
Certain high-risk adults aged 60 to 74 will be offered the vaccine at long-term care homes, retirement homes and Elder Care lodges.
Adults 60 to 74 who are not eligible for a publicly funded RSV vaccine can purchase it with a prescription from a health care provider, based on a discussion of their risks.
Note: If an individual previously received a dose of RSV vaccine, they do not need to receive another dose, as booster doses are not currently recommended. Protection lasts for several years.
Pregnant individuals between 28 to 36 weeks of pregnancy can get an RSV vaccine in consultation with a health care provider.
Free RSV immunization for infants up to eight months of age and high-risk children under two years old will be available at hospitals and birthing centres immediately after birth and at primary care offices.
TPH will also be offering RSV Immunization by appointment to infants six months to four years of age and under at the Etobicoke Civic Centre Breastfeeding Clinic.