Respiratory syncytial (sin-SISH-uhl) virus, or RSV, infects the lungs and airways. It’s highly contagious, and infections typically last one to two weeks.
RSV can affect anyone of any age, causing mild cold-like symptoms for most. However, vulnerable people are at risk of developing severe RSV that can seriously affect their breathing.
While you can catch RSV at any time of year, ‘RSV season’ generally starts in the fall and lasts until late spring.
Across Canada, who’s eligible for extra RSV protection?
RSV protection currently comes in two main forms – vaccines and monoclonal antibodies. While a vaccine works by training the immune system to battle future infections, monoclonal antibodies have the potential to provide almost immediate effect, neutralising intruders!
Canada’s National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends a dose of the RSV monoclonal antibody ‘nirsevimab’ for all infants entering, or born during, their first RSV season.
For adults 60 or older, they also recommend one vaccine dose (‘RSVpreF’ or ‘RSVPreF3’) just before the start of RSV season. For now, the vaccine isn’t widely covered by provincial health plans. You can expect to pay around $300 for the vaccine.
Adults 75 years of age and older, particularly those who have a chronic health condition that puts them at increased risk, are expected to benefit the most from vaccination during the RSV season. Discuss with your health care provider if it’s appropriate for you.
Spotlight on RSV vaccines in Ontario: what’s new?
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!
Ontario has expanded its RSV prevention programs for the 2024–25 season to target high-risk populations, including both infants and older adults. Here are four changes to Ontario’s RSV vaccination program for the 2024/25 season.
- Ontario continues its RSV vaccination program for adults 60 years and older, with expanded eligibility for those in high-risk settings, such as long-term care, retirement homes, and dialysis patients
- Healthcare providers can now order RSV vaccines through their usual channels
- The RSV vaccine can now also be administered by pharmacists in Ontario, through a prescription provided by your healthcare provider
- RSV vaccines can be given at the same time with COVID-19 and flu vaccines to enhance protection during the respiratory season. If possible, the RSV vaccine should be given at least six weeks before or after non-seasonal vaccines to avoid inadvertently attributing an adverse event from another vaccine to the RSV vaccine.
Immunization is protection for the whole family!
Choosing immunization doesn’t just protect you: it also reduces your risk of spreading vaccine-preventable infections to people around you. That means more time together with the people you love!
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.
Learn more at lunghealth.ca/immunization.