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 illnesses.
For more information on clinical signs and symptoms, surveillance, laboratory testing, IPAC, reporting and patient resources, please see Respiratory Viruses Information for Health Professionals.
Abrysvo™ is a new vaccine product available in Canada to protect people 60 years of age and older against RSV.
Abrysvo™ is the only RSV product that is publicly funded for older adults in Toronto for the 2024-2025 season.
Note: for the 2023-24 season, Arexvy was the RSV vaccine that was publicly funded. If someone has received Arexvy, they do not get re-vaccinated with Abrysvo.
Eligibility includes those who were eligible during the 2023-2024 respiratory season plus an expansion to all residents in retirement homes.
Specifically, Ontario’s publicly funded RSV prevention program is targeted for eligible individuals 60 years of age and older who are:
As per the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI), the RSV vaccine can be co-administered with other seasonal vaccines.
Beginning this fall, the Ministry of Health will expand the Ontario publicly funded infant RSV prevention program to include new products and increase eligibility.
New Products to prevent RSV infections in infants and young children:
NOTE: If the vaccine is given in pregnancy, the monoclonal antibody does not need to be given to the infant (except under specific circumstances such as a high-risk infant born to a pregnant person who received the vaccine).
Any infant entering or born during their first RSV season:
*RSV season is generally from November to April, peaking in December.
Pregnant individuals who must live in Ontario and are 32 to 36 weeks gestational age and will deliver prior to or during RSV season (generally from November to April, peaking in December), in consultation with their health care provider.
| Category | Weight | Dose | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infants born during the 2024-2025 RSV season | < 5 kg | 50 mg in 0.5 mL (100 mg/mL) | Administered from birth1 |
| ≥ 5 kg | 100 mg in 1 mL (100 mg/mL | ||
| Infants born outside of the 2024-2025 RSV season2 | < 5 kg | 50 mg in 0.5 mL (100 mg/mL) | Shortly before the start of the RSV season |
| ≥ 5 kg | 100 mg in 1 mL (100 mg/mL | ||
| Children at continued high-risk from RSV infection entering their second season | N/A | 200 mg (two 1 mL injections of 100 mg/mL) |
¹ The dose can be administered in the hospital after delivery prior to discharge or a primary care provider clinic.
² Includes those infants born in 2024 prior to RSV season, recommended for those eight months of age and less.
NOTE: dosing varies for children undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. See the Ministry of Health Beyfortus® Guidance for Health Care Providers for full administration details.
Health Canada has authorized the use of Abrysvo™ vaccine to be given to pregnant individuals between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy who will deliver near the start of or during RSV season.
Abrysvo™ is available on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the pregnant individual and their health care provider.
Beyfortus® is the preferred product for infant protection, however vaccination in pregnancy is available for those pregnant individuals who wish to be vaccinated.
NOTE: If the vaccine is given in pregnancy, the monoclonal antibody does not need to be given to the infant.
Pregnant individuals must live in Ontario and are:
Abrysvo™
Clinical trials has shown that Abrysvo™ is generally well tolerated with the most common side effects reported include:
Beyfortus®
Clinical trials have shown that Beyfortus® is safe for most full-term and preterm infants (born at least 29 weeks gestation). Side effects are usually mild and last only a few days. The most common side effects reported include:
Toronto health care providers can submit RSV vaccine orders for eligible clients using the updated Toronto Provider RSV Vaccine Order form.
Note: The distribution centre has not yet received Beyfortus 50mg. TPH will communicate to HCPs when this is available.
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.