RSV vaccine

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.

All infants up to 12 months old, and children up to 24 months who are at high risk of severe illness from RSV are eligible for immunization.

Beyfortus® is currently funded for RSV prophylaxis in infants who are residents of Ontario, and meet any of the following criteria:

• Born in 2024 prior to the RSV season (The National Advisory Committee on Immunization specifically recommends that infants less than 8 months of age or less be immunized).
• Born during the 2024–25 RSV season.
• Children up to 24 months of age who remain vulnerable from severe RSV disease through their second RSV season.
  • hemodynamically significant congenital heart disease (CHD) requiring corrective surgery or are on cardiac medication for congestive heart failure or diagnosed with moderate to severe pulmonary hypertension
  • severe immunodeficiency
  • Down Syndrome / Trisomy 21
  • cystic fibrosis with respiratory involvement and/or growth delay
  • severe congenital airway anomalies impairing the clearing of respiratory secretions

For more information about RSV and the vaccination program, please see the following resources:

Sick Kids Hospital
About Kids Health handout

Government of Ontario
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
RSV prevention Program

Health Canada
RSV vaccines