RSV Vaccine
Summary: 2025–2026 RSV Vaccine Program (Ontario Public Health)
🔹 General Program Overview
- RSV season: November 1 – March 31 (peak = December; regional variation).
- Start of immunization: Early October 2025.
- Two product streams:
- Beyfortus® (nirsevimab) – a monoclonal antibody for infants/young children
- Abrysvo™ (RSVpreF) – a vaccine for pregnant individuals
🔹 1. Infant and High-Risk Children Eligibility
Product 1: Beyfortus®
- For infants born April 1 2025 or later and < 8 months old at start of season.
OR - Children ≤ 24 months old with high risk of severe RSV disease due to:
- Chronic lung disease (e.g. bronchopulmonary dysplasia)
- Hemodynamically significant congenital heart disease
- Severe immunodeficiency
- Down syndrome / Trisomy 21
- Cystic fibrosis with recurrent pulmonary exacerbations or poor growth
- Neuromuscular disease affecting airway clearance
- Severe anatomical airway anomalies
- Administration: single dose before/during RSV season.
- NACI preference: Beyfortus is preferred over Abrysvo™ for direct infant protection (longer-lasting immunity, good safety profile).
Product 2: Abrysvo™
- For pregnant individuals delivering during RSV season.
- Administer between 32 – 36 weeks gestation.
- Provides passive protection to newborns.
- Avoid giving Beyfortus® to infants < 14 days after maternal Abrysvo™ dose.
🔹 2. High-Risk Older Adult RSV Vaccine Program (2025–2026)
Eligibility
- All adults ≥ 75 years (new for 2025–2026)
OR - Adults 60–74 years meeting ≥ 1 of the following:
- Residents of long-term care homes, Elder Care Lodges, retirement homes, or co-located settings
- Hospital patients receiving alternate level of care (ALC) or complex continuing care
- Moderate–severe glomerulonephritis (GN) / immunocompromised
- On hemo- or peritoneal dialysis
- Solid organ or hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients
- Experiencing homelessness
- First Nations, Inuit or Métis individuals
Other details
- Adults ≥ 60 who do not meet criteria may purchase privately (with Rx).
- Only a single dose recommended (no repeat this season if previously received).
- Can be co-administered with influenza or COVID-19 vaccines.
🔹 3. Operational / Administration Notes
- Vaccines can be given before, after, or with other vaccines.
- Some Ontarians also eligible for H5N1 avian influenza vaccine – only through public health units.
- Ministry of Health will update RSV web resources and forms for ordering RSV, influenza, and COVID-19 vaccines.
- Contact Algoma Public Health Immunization Team 📞 705-759-5409 for questions.
| Population Group | Product | Eligibility Criteria | Timing | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Infants < 8 months | Beyfortus® (nirsevimab) | Born on/after Apr 1 2025 AND < 8 months at season start | Early Oct onward | Single dose; preferred option for infant protection |
| Children < 24 months with high-risk conditions | Beyfortus® | CLD, CHD, immunodeficiency, Down Syndrome, CF, neuromuscular or airway disease | Early Oct – season end | Eligible even if previously covered in first season |
| Pregnant individuals delivering during season | Abrysvo™ (RSVpreF) | 32–36 weeks gestation during RSV season | Before delivery | Provides passive infant immunity; avoid Beyfortus within 14 days of dose |
| Adults ≥ 75 years | Older-Adult RSV Vaccine (unnamed product) | All individuals in this age group | Fall 2025 | New eligibility for this season |
| Adults 60–74 with specific risk factors | Older-Adult RSV Vaccine | LTC residents, ALC patients, GN/immunocompromised, dialysis, transplants, homeless, First Nations/Inuit/Métis | Fall 2025 | Single dose only; may purchase privately if not eligible |
| Co-administration | — | May be given with influenza and COVID-19 vaccines | Anytime | No interval restrictions except H5N1 (6 weeks gap) |