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Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes respiratory illness affecting the lungs and airways, particularly among infants, young children, and older adults.

RSV Prevention Program

Ontario’s publicly funded RSV prevention program is offered to high-risk people and settings. The RSV vaccine is not publicly funded for the general public. The Ministry of Health has information about the vaccine and who is eligible:

High-risk older adult RSV vaccine program

Infant and high-risk children RSV prevention program

If you are eligible and are interested in getting the RSV vaccine, talk to your healthcare provider.

Information for Healthcare Providers

Infant RSV protection program 

Beyfortus (monoclonal antibody) Eligibility 

  • Born in 2024 prior to the RSV season  

  • Born during the 2024/25 RSV season 

  • Children up to 24 months of age who remain vulnerable from severe RSV disease through their second RSV season, as they meet the Medical Criteria for Increased Risk as listed below  

  • Beyfortus should still be administered to the following infants whose gestational parent received Abrysvo: 

  • Infants who are born less than 2 weeks after administration of Abrysvo. 

  • Infants who meet the Medical Criteria for Increased Risk from severe RSV disease: 

  • Chronic lung disease (CLD), including bronchopulmonary dysplasia, requiring ongoing assisted ventilation, oxygen therapy or chronic medical therapy in the six months prior to the start of RSV season 

  • Hemodynamically significant congenital heart disease (CHD) requiring corrective surgery or are on cardiac medication for congestive heart failure or diagnosed with moderate to severe pulmonary hypertension 

  • Severe immunodeficiency 

  • Down syndrome/Trisomy 21 

  • Cystic fibrosis with respiratory involvement and/or growth delay 

  • Neuromuscular disease impairing clearing of respiratory secretions 

  • Severe congenital airway anomalies impairing the clearing of respiratory secretions 

Current products available 

  • 50mg Beyfortus 

  1. Infants currently under 11 pounds (5 kg) - Beyfortus (Nirsevimab) is available for all babies born in 2024, and 2025 (during RSV season – most likely till April 2025).   

  1.  Infants < 5kg are to receive one dose of 50 mg  Beyfortus in 0.5 mL (100 mg/mL) 

  1. Since early November, hospitals have had 50 mg doses to provide to any newborns prior to discharge. 

  • 100mg Beyfortus 

  1. Infants currently equal or over 11 pounds ( ≥ 5kg) -  Beyfortus (Nirsevimab) is available for all babies born in 2024, and 2025 (during RSV season).  

  1. Infants ≥ 5kg are to receive one dose of 100 mg  Beyfortus in 1 mL (100 mg/mL) 

  1. Since late October, hospitals have had 100 mg doses to provide any newborns 5kg or eligible pediatric patients prior to discharge. 

  • 200mg Beyfortus HR 

  1. High Risk infants entering their second RSV season are eligible for a dose of 200mg (2 x 100 mg injections). See above for high-risk infant criteria. 

Please see additional information on dosing below in the Beyfortus Dosing Appendix. 

Abrysvo (bivalent, subunit vaccine) Eligibility 

  • For those in pregnancy (32-36 weeks gestation) 

  • Available for pregnant individuals to protect newborns from RSV from birth until they are six months old.  

  • Multi-year protection, do not need to repeat if vaccinated last year 

  • The infant product Beyfortus is the recommended approach for protection of infants per the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI), with the vaccine in pregnancy being available on a case-by-case basis. 

High-risk older adult RSV vaccine program 

Abrysvo  (bivalent, subunit vaccine) Eligibility 

  • Abrysvo, for age 60+ in Long Term Care Homes / Retirement Homes, ALC patients in hospital and select high risk groups (indigenous / underhoused / transplant / dialysis).  

  • Multi-year protection, do not need to repeat if vaccinated last year  

Arexvy  (recombinant, adjuvanted vaccine) Eligibility 

  • For age 60+ in Long Term Care Homes / Retirement Homes, ALC patients in hospital and select high risk groups (indigenous /underhoused/transplant/dialysis). 

  • Multi-year protection, do not need to repeat if vaccinated last year 

  • Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) protection supply continues to be received in the phased delivery schedule from Sanofi over October, November and December.
    • Due to Sanofi's staggered dose delivery and to ensure equitable access, the ministry has allocated quantities to health units based on population needs / demand.
    • Wastage control, similar to other immunization programs, should be a priority.  
  • We have had a limited quantity of Beyfortus from the province. As additional Beyfortus comes into the province and to health units, communication will be sent out and orders will be filled. 

  • As orders are filled, they will be available for pickup or delivery around the normal routine ordering schedules. If offices would like products earlier than their scheduled delivery date, please contact the Inventory Program Administrative Assistants (Tanya or Cris) to discuss pick-up options.  

  • The majority of Abrysvo and Arexvy was delivered and administered at retirement and long-term care homes for eligible residents. 

Please share the following with your patients who are considering RSV products: 

For Parents and Expectant Parents: Protecting Your Child from RSV | Provincial Council for Maternal and Child Health 

Abrysvo Factsheet | Ontario Ministry of Health 

For more information, please contact the HPPH Immunization Team at 1-888-221-2133 Ext. 3558  

Contact Us

Huron Perth Public Health

Huron Office
77722B London Road, RR #5, Clinton, ON
N0M 1L0

Perth Office
653 West Gore St., Stratford ON N5A 1L4
Toll-free 1-888-221-2133
askhpph@hpph.ca

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