Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common infection that affects the lungs and airways. While many people experience only mild, cold-like symptoms, RSV can cause serious illness in vulnerable groups such as infants, older adults, people with weakened immune systems, and people living with chronic lung conditions.
RSV season typically begins in late fall and continues through the spring. With hospitalizations rising each year during this period, immunization is one of the most effective ways to protect against severe illness.
Who should get the RSV vaccine?
Several RSV vaccines are now available, though vaccination is not yet publicly funded for everyone in Canada. Recommendations are based on individual risk factors and circumstances.
In Canada, RSV protection is available through both vaccines and monoclonal antibodies. As of 2025, RSV vaccination is recommended for:
- Adults 75 years and older
- Adults 60 years and older living in long-term care or chronic care facilities
- People who are immunocompromised
- Individuals with chronic lung diseases such as asthma or COPD
- Pregnant people (vaccination between weeks 32 and 36 of pregnancy offers newborn protection through maternal antibodies)
Spotlight on RSV vaccines in Ontario: What’s new for 2025
As national leaders in lung health, the Lung Health Foundation keeps an eye on trends in infectious respiratory disease prevention. Watch for future updates from other provinces or territories!
Starting from fall 2025, all Ontarians aged 75 and older will be eligible for a free, publicly funded RSV vaccine. This expansion builds on earlier programs that covered high-risk adults aged 60–74, infants up to 8 months, and high-risk children up to 2 years.
Ontario Health Minister Sylvia Jones emphasized that the goal is to reduce severe illness and hospitalizations among seniors during respiratory illness season. More details on how and where to access the vaccine will be shared in the coming weeks.
When can you get the RSV vaccine?
RSV vaccines are already available in Canada by prescription, with a cost for those not covered by public health programs. Protection can last up to two years.
The RSV vaccine can be co-administered with other seasonal vaccines and is encouraged to help mitigate the impacts of the respiratory season.
You can read the full recommendations from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) here.
If you fall into any of the groups above, talk to your healthcare provider about whether the RSV vaccine is right for you.
Make vaccination part of your care plan—for you and your family.
Infectious respiratory diseases can affect anyone, but they’re especially concerning for people with lung conditions. While cases often peak during the fall and winter, these illnesses can pose a threat year-round.
We urge all Canadians to protect their lungs from infectious respiratory diseases, and to speak with their healthcare providers about which vaccines are right for them.
To explore vaccine options for RSV, flu, pneumonia, and COVID-19, visit our Immunization Page.
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References:
- National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI): RSV Recommendations for Adults
- National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI): RSV Recommendations for Infants
- Ontario Government announcement: RSV vaccines free for Ontarians 75+ in 2025
