Expanded program to include everyone aged 75 years and older
The Ontario government is expanding the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) prevention program to include all individuals aged 75 years and older, helping to protect those most vulnerable during the upcoming respiratory illness season.
“Our government is ensuring the most vulnerable have access to the tools they need to protect themselves and their family during respiratory illness season,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “We’re once again expanding RSV immunization which will now include everyone 75 years of age and older so we can help protect more seniors and reduce unnecessary hospitalizations this fall and winter.”
Starting this fall, RSV immunization will now be available through Ontario’s publicly funded RSV immunization programs to all individuals aged 75 and older, building on last year’s expansion of the programs that also includes:
- Certain high-risk adults aged 60 to 74, such as residents of long-term care homes or retirement homes
- Infants up to eight months of age in their first RSV season
- High-risk children up to 24 months of age in their second season
Pregnant women will have the option to receive the RSV vaccine Abrysvo®, which can help provide protection to infants at birth, while eligible newborns, infants and high-risk children can receive the Beyfortus® immunization. More details on where families will be able to access RSV immunization will be provided in the coming weeks.
“As we prepare for the upcoming respiratory illness season, it’s essential that we take proactive steps to protect those most at risk and reduce pressure on our health-care system,” said Dr. Kieran Moore, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health. “Ontario’s RSV immunization programs for infants, high-risk children, high-risk adults over 60 and everyone aged 75 and older is a critical part of our strategy to prevent severe illness, hospitalizations, and complications, especially among those most vulnerable to respiratory infections.”
Routine and recommended immunizations help prevent the spread of serious diseases throughout communities, reduce medical visits and keep people out of the hospital. Everyone is strongly encouraged to stay up to date on their immunizations, especially children returning to school who may have missed routine vaccines.
Through Your Health: A Plan for Connected and Convenient Care, the Ontario government is providing people with the tools they need to connect to the care they need to keep themselves and their loved ones safe and healthy.
Quick Facts
- Information about recommended immunizations for the upcoming respiratory illness season, including when to get your flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine, will be available closer to the fall.
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that infects the nose, throat, and lungs. Infection is most severe in young babies and older adults and can cause serious lung infections that may require hospitalization. RSV infection can also make chronic health problems worse.
- Pregnant women should consult with their health-care provider before receiving Abrysvo®.
- Every time your child gets a routine immunization, report it to your local public health unit to ensure their records for the ISPA are up to date. Health-care providers do not report these records for you.
- Under Ontario’s Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA), students must provide proof of immunization against diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella and whooping cough to attend school.
- Talk to a health-care provider or public health unit if you are unsure if your child has missed routine immunizations or if you are unsure about which immunizations they have received.
- Visit Health811 online or call 811 (TTY: 1-866-797-0007 toll free) for health advice and information 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
