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RSV Vaccination Eligibility Expands to Include Individuals Aged 75 and Over

2025-10-03

As of this fall, individuals aged 75 and older are eligible to receive the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine free of charge under Ontario’s publicly funded RSV prevention program. The program’s expansion comes a year after it was introduced to protect newborns and infants.

RSV is a highly contagious respiratory virus that circulates every year between fall and spring. Most people that get RSV will only have mild, cold-like symptoms. However, in infants and older adults, RSV can cause severe respiratory illness and can lead to complications such as bronchiolitis or pneumonia. It is a leading cause of hospitalization in infants, and in rare cases, can be life-threatening.

“I’m very pleased the province has expanded eligibility for the RSV vaccine,” says Dr. Paul Roumeliotis, Medical Officer of Health at the Eastern Ontario Health Unit (EOHU). “The vaccine is highly effective and protects older adults from the worst outcomes of RSV, preventing the tremendous stress that severe RSV illness and hospitalization put on families.”

Preventive Treatment for Infants

A preventive treatment, known as nirsevimab or Beyfortus, is available to prevent RSV infections in infants. The treatment consists of a one-dose injection of protective antibodies and is highly effective. Protection is immediate and lasts for at least 6 months, when infants are most vulnerable to severe illness from RSV.

The treatment is available free of charge for Ontario residents:

  • Infants born during RSV season (offered at the hospital following birth)
  • Infants born outside of a hospital setting (home birth or born outside of Ontario)
  • Infants who were born from April 1st to September 30th, 2025 (and who are less than 8 months of age)
  • High-risk children up to 24 months of age who have certain chronic conditions

The treatment is available through primary healthcare providers up to the end of the RSV season. If your child does not have a healthcare provider, contact the EOHU at 1-800-267-7120 to arrange an appointment for your child to receive the treatment.

Maternal Vaccine

A maternal vaccine, known as Abrysvo, is available to individuals residing in Ontario who are between 32 to 36 weeks pregnant and who will deliver near the start of or during the RSV season. The vaccine helps pregnant individuals produce antibodies that are passed on to their baby while they’re still in the womb, providing their newborn with protection for up to 6 months from birth. Please consult your healthcare provider for more information about the Abrysvo vaccine.

Vaccine for Older Adults

In addition to individuals aged 75 and older, those aged 60 to 74 may also be eligible to receive the publicly funded RSV vaccine through their healthcare provider if they meet the eligibility criteria. Visit EOHU.ca/RSV to see if you meet the requirements. Individuals who do not have a primary healthcare provider can book an appointment to receive the vaccine at the EOHU.

For more information about RSV and how to prevent it, visit EOHU.ca/RSV or call the EOHU at 613-933-1375 or 1-800-267-7120. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram.