What is the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) prevention program?
Ontario’s publicly funded RSV prevention program provides free preventative antibodies and vaccines to protect those who are most at risk from RSV infection. This includes all individuals aged 75 years and older, adults aged 60 to 74 who are at higher risk, pregnant individuals and infants, and some children (up to 24 months of age). Please visit the Ontario Ministry of Health for up-to-date eligibility criteria.
Who should get the RSV vaccine?
High-risk older adult program
The RSV program for older adults has been expanded. The following groups are eligible for a dose of RSV vaccine:
- All individuals aged 75 and older.
- Adults aged 60-74 years and who also meet specific criteria set by the Ministry of Health.
Please visit the Ministry of Health’s website for up-to-date eligibility criteria.
Individuals aged 60 to 74 years and older and who do not qualify as part of the criteria above, can purchase the vaccine with a prescription from their primary care provider.
At this time, individuals who have received a dose of RSV vaccine in the past do not need another dose this season.
Infant and high-risk children prevention program
Preventative monoclonal antibody immunization is currently free for infants and some children up to 24 months of age in who meet Ontario Ministry of Health eligibility criteria. A vaccine may also be recommended for pregnant individuals. Please speak to your health care provider to discuss the most appropriate option.
Who should not get the RSV vaccine?
People who have had serious allergic reaction to any ingredient in the vaccine should not receive the RSV vaccine.
Your health care provider will ask you questions about your health before giving you any vaccine. This will help them identify allergies you might have and safely manage potential allergic reactions.
Is the RSV vaccine needed every year?
Currently, evidence suggests only one dose is needed as it provides multi-year protection. Booster doses are not currently recommended.
Products commonly used:
What are the possible side effects of the RSV vaccine and monoclonal antibodies?
You could have mild side effects after being immunized, but they usually go away in 1 to 2 days. Some people can be allergic to the vaccine.
Learn more about common vaccine side effects and what to do about them.
Is the RSV vaccine required to attend school, daycare or to work in certain settings?
As per the Immunization of School Pupils Act and the Child Care and Early Years Act, children do not have to be immunized against this disease to attend school or a licensed day care in Ontario.
Reporting vaccinations
Public Health does not maintain immunization records for individuals 18 years of age and older. Adults are encouraged to maintain their own immunization records, as records are sometimes required for post-secondary training, employment and international travel. Public Health only maintains vaccination records for children enrolled in licensed child care settings and schools. Visit our immunization records and reporting page for more information on maintaining records for children and students.
Where can you get the RSV vaccine?
High-risk older adult program
The RSV older adult vaccine is available through your health care provider, at long-term care homes, and congregative living settings. If you do not have access to a health care provider, please contact us to book an appointment.
Infant and high-risk children prevention program
RSV monoclonal antibody immunization will be offered to newborns at the hospital following birth. The treatment will be available through primary health care providers for infants born outside of a hospital setting, for those who were not offered the vaccine in the hospital, or for infants up to 24 months of age who have certain medical conditions. Pregnant individuals can access the vaccine through their primary care or obstetrician offices. Please speak with your health care provider to discuss the most appropriate product for you.
For more information:
- Visit the Ontario Ministry of Health.
- Contact us.
- See our frequently asked questions or send us your question.
- See our list of helpful websites for information about vaccination.