The Ontario government is expanding its Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) prevention program to include all people aged 75 and older. The change is meant to protect those most at risk as the province prepares for the upcoming respiratory illness season.
Starting this fall, RSV immunization will be available through Ontario’s publicly funded program for all people aged 75 and up. The program already covers certain high-risk adults aged 60 to 74, infants up to eight months old in their first RSV season, and high-risk children up to 24 months old in their second season. Pregnant women will also be able to receive the vaccine Abrysvo®, which can protect infants at birth, while eligible newborns and high-risk children can receive the Beyfortus® immunization. More details on where families can get these vaccines will be announced in the coming weeks.
Health officials continue to remind Ontarians that routine vaccinations are important to stop the spread of serious diseases, reduce medical visits, and prevent hospitalizations. Families are encouraged to make sure children returning to school are up to date on their vaccines.
“Our government is making sure the most vulnerable have access to the tools they need to protect themselves and their families,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “By expanding RSV immunization to everyone 75 years of age and older, we can protect more seniors and help reduce hospital visits this fall and winter.”
