Getting an RSV immunization is the best way to prevent RSV.
It is safe and convenient to get a dose of RSV 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, peaking in December. RSV infection can happen at any age; however, it can be more serious in young children 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
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.
Nirsevimab (Beyfortus®) is a single-dose monoclonal antibody given to infants. It provides passive immunization by giving the infants antibodies to protect from infection. It can protect babies from severe illness when they are most at risk. This protection starts right away and lasts for about six months. Last season was the first year Beyfortus® was given to infants in Ontario and as a result, many infants and high-risk children were protected from severe infection and hospitalization.
When given between 32 to 36 weeks of pregnancy, the AbrysvoTM vaccine helps provide immediate protection against severe RSV infections from birth up until approximately six months old. Antibodies are created by the vaccinated pregnant person that are then passed to the infant in utero.
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends Nirsevimab as the preferred product to protect infants, based on how well it works, how long protection lasts and how safe it is.
Eligibility for Ontario’s free (publicly funded) 2025-2026 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.
If an individual previously received a dose of RSV vaccine, they do not need to receive another dose for the 2025-2026 season, as booster doses are not currently recommended. Protection lasts for several years.
Abrysvo™ is available on a case-by-case basis in consultation with a health care provider for pregnant individuals between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy who will deliver near the start of or during RSV season, which is usually from fall to spring, peaking in the winter months.
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.
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.
Common side effects after getting an RSV vaccine (Arexvy or Abrysvo™) can include pain, swelling and redness where the needle was given, fatigue, 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 were 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.
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 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:
Residents of Ontario long-term care homes, Elder Care Lodges, and retirement homes will be offered free (publicly funded) RSV vaccines (AbrysvoTM or Arexvy).
Eligible adults, including all adults aged 75 and older, can get a free RSV vaccine from their health care provider.
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 by private purchase.
Pregnant individuals should talk to a health care provider for more information about getting AbrysvoTM.
Talk to your health care provider for more information about the administration of Nirsevimab to infants at birth or during the RSV season.