2024-2025 High-Risk Older Adult Respiratory Syncytial Virus Program
Advisory Alert
August 19, 2024
*Cette information est seulement disponible en anglais.
To: Long-term care homes, retirement homes, and Elder Care Lodges
FOR IMMEDIATE ATTENTION
Overview of the 2024-2025 respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine program for individuals 60 years of age and older
This year, the Ministry of Health has announced that the high-risk older adult RSV program will be continuing. Vaccine administration can commence immediately.
RSV vaccination recommendations
Studies show that the RSV vaccine provides multi-year protection against infection. Individuals who meet the high-risk criteria and received a dose of the RSV vaccine in the 2023-2024 campaign DO NOT need to receive another dose of vaccine this season.
Eligibility for the publicly funded RSV vaccine program includes individuals who are previously unimmunized against RSV, aged 60 years of age and older, and meet one of the following descriptors:
- They are a resident in long-term care homes (LTCH), Elder Care Lodge, or retirement home.
- They are in a hospital receiving alternate level of care (ALC), or a similar setting (such as complex continuing care or hospital transitional programs).
- They are receiving hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis.
- They are a recipient of solid organ or hematopoietic stem cell transplants.
- They are experiencing homelessness.
- They identify as First Nations, Inuit, or Métis.
Vaccine product information
Two RSV vaccines will be available this season; Arexvy (GlaxoSmithKline Inc.) used last season, and Abrysvo™ (Pfizer Canada ULC) which has been procured for 2024-2025. Please use any existing inventory of Arexvy to begin your immunization program in your facility. Arexvy will continue to be provided by Public Health until the provincial supply is depleted. Abrysvo™ will be provided in your vaccine orders after this time.
Co-administration of vaccines
Both Arexvy and Abrysvo™ vaccine can now be co-administered with other seasonal vaccines, such as the influenza vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine. There is no longer a need to separate their administration from other vaccines.
Ministry of Health Implementation Package
Please refer to the attached implementation package which includes the following:
- Fact Sheet for Health Care Providers
- Fact Sheet for Vaccine Recipients – EN and FR
- Letter to Long-Term Care Home Medical Directors
- Letter to Retirement Home Operators and Licensees
Contact Public Health Sudbury & Districts
- To order a vaccine, please complete the Vaccine Order Form and email it to vaccineorder@phsd.caor fax it to 705.677.9616.
- Vaccines can be reported using the updated reporting formand faxed to 705.677.9616 (the form is also available in French).
- To report an adverse event following immunization, complete the AEFI reporting form and fax to 705.677.9616.
- For immunization inquiries, call the Vaccine Preventable Diseases program at 705.522.9200, ext. 458 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200).
Sincerely,
Original Signed By
M. Mustafa Hirji, MD, MPH, FRCPC
Acting Medical Officer of Health and Chief Executive Officer
NOTE: All Advisory Alerts are found on our website.
This item was last modified on August 22, 2024