2024-2025 infant and high-risk children RSV prevention program
Advisory Alert
August 29, 2024
*Cette information est seulement disponible en anglais.
To: Health care providers/health care setting
FOR IMMEDIATE ATTENTION
Overview of the 2024-2025 respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine program for infants and high-risk children
This year, the Ministry of Health will transition to an expanded infant RSV prevention program which will include all infants born in 2024 prior to and during the RSV season, as well as children under 2 years of age who meet the medical criteria for increased risk of severe RSV disease. Additionally, protection will be made available to actively immunize pregnant individuals—providing infants passive maternal antibodies to help protect them from severe RSV illness from birth until approximately 6 months of age.
Vaccine product information
2 RSV products will be publicly funded for Ontario residents this season. These include:
- A monoclonal antibody immunizing agent (Beyfortus®) given to infants soon after birth during the RSV season, young infants born before the RSV season, and high-risk children who remain vulnerable to RSV during their second RSV season (generally during the months of November to April).
- A vaccine (AbrysvoTM) given to pregnant individuals between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy if they will deliver near the start of or during RSV season.
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) advises prioritizing the use of the Beyfortus® for infant protection (due to its effectiveness, long-lasting protection, and positive safety profile) over vaccinating pregnant individuals. Therefore, Beyfortus® is the preferred method for safeguarding infants.
Co-administration of vaccines
Beyfortus® can be administered on the same day or any time before or after routine childhood vaccines, including influenza. No interval between Beyfortus® and live vaccines (such as MMR or varicella) is necessary. Concurrent administration of AbrysvoTM to pregnant persons with tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis (Tdap), COVID-19, and influenza vaccines can also be considered.
Ministry of Health Implementation Package
Please refer to the attached implementation package which includes the following:
- Infant RSV Guidance for Health Care Providers – Abrysvo
- Infant RSV Guidance for Health Care Providers – Beyfortus
- RSV Fact Sheet
- Immunity Fact Sheet
- Abrysvo in Pregnancy Fact Sheet
- Beyfortus Fact Sheet
- CMOH Letter to Health Care Providers
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
Dr. Marlene Spruyt
Acting Medical Officer of Health
On behalf of M. Mustafa Hirji 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 29, 2024