What is the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) prevention program?
Ontario’s publicly funded RSV prevention program has been expanded to provide free preventative antibodies and vaccines to protect those who are most at risk from RSV infection. This includes adults (age 60 and older), pregnant individuals and infants and children (up to 24 months of age) who meet the eligibility criteria.
Who should get the RSV vaccine?
High-risk older adult program
Adults aged 60 years and older and who also meet specific criteria set by the Ministry of Health are eligible for the publicly funded RSV vaccine. Please visit the Ontario Ministry of Health for up to date eligibility criteria.
If you are aged 60 years and older and do not qualify as part of the criteria above, you can purchase the vaccine with a prescription from your primary care provider.
Infant and high-risk children prevention program
A preventative monoclonal antibody immunization is currently free for infants and children up to 24 months of age in Ontario who meet select criteria. A vaccine may also be recommended for pregnant women. Please speak to your health care provider to discuss the most appropriate option. Please visit the Ontario Ministry of Health for up to date eligibility criteria.
Who should not get the RSV vaccine?
People who have had serious allergic reaction to any ingredient in the vaccine should not receive the RSV vaccine.
Your health care provider will ask you questions about your health before giving you any vaccine. This will help them identify allergies you might have and safely manage potential allergic reactions.
Products commonly used:
What are the possible side effects of the RSV vaccine and monoclonal antibodies?
You could have mild side effects after being immunized, but they usually go away in one to two days. Some people can be allergic to the vaccine, just like they might have a food or medication allergy.
Learn more about common vaccine side effects and what to do about them.
Is the RSV vaccine required to attend school, daycare or to work in certain settings?
No. Children do not have to be immunized against this disease to attend school or a licensed day care in Ontario (Immunization of School Pupils Act, Child Care and Early Years Act).
Reporting vaccinations
Public Health does not maintain immunization records for individuals 18 years of age and older. Adults are encouraged to maintain their own immunization records, as records are sometimes required for post-secondary training, employment and international travel. Public Health only maintains vaccination records for children enrolled in licensed child care settings and schools. Visit our immunization records and reporting page for more information on maintaining records for children and students.
Where can you get the RSV vaccine?
High-risk older adult program
The RSV older adult vaccine is available through your health care provider, at long-term care homes and congregative living settings, hospitals, and certain pharmacies. If you do not have access to a health care provider, please contact us to book an appointment.
Infant and high-risk children prevention program
RSV monoclonal antibody immunization will be offered to newborns at the hospital following birth. For infants born outside of a hospital setting, or who were born earlier in 2024, or for infants up to 24 months of age who have certain medical conditions, the treatment will be available through primary healthcare providers. Pregnant individuals can access the vaccine through their primary care or obstetrician offices. Please speak with your health care provider to discuss the most appropriate product for you.
I received an RSV vaccine last year. Do I need it again?
Currently, evidence suggests only one dose is needed as it provides multi-year protection.
For more information:
- Visit the Ontario Ministry of Health.
- Contact us.
- See our frequently asked questions or send us your question.
- See our list of helpful websites for information about vaccination.