RSV and Infants
Important Updates
Local supply of Beyfortus for infants is starting to come in for our region, with hospitals and health care providers having some supply. Access to Beyfortus will be made more readily available as our supply increases in the coming weeks. Check back here for more information about how to get Beyfortus at one of our Health Unit clinics. If you do not have a primary care provider, a list of available clinics will be posted soon.
In the fall of 2024, a new RSV prevention program is starting in Ontario.
RSV is one of the most common respiratory viruses in infants and young children, infecting almost all children by the age of 2 years old. RSV can cause serious respiratory disease in infants, young children and older adults.
RSV is another fall/winter respiratory illness. It is not the same as influenza or COVID-19, but is spread in similar ways through coughing, sneezing and touching contaminated surfaces.
The new RSV program provides 2 options for protecting infants
- Beyfortus – this is not a vaccine, it is an injection of antibodies that is given to the baby preferably shortly after birth while still in hospital. Those who deliver at home will need to see their health care provider to get Beyfortus as midwives are not authorized to administer.
- Abrysvo – a vaccine that can be given during pregnancy, at least 4 weeks prior to delivery to allow antibodies to develop and be transferred to the baby in utero. This is not as effective as the antibodies given directly to the baby. This is a ‘back up plan’ in case baby is not able to receive the Beyfortus. Only in high risk situations would both the mom receive RSV vaccine and antibodies be given to the baby.
These new products are just becoming available in Ontario in October/November.
RSV antibodies injection should be offered for any infant during their first RSV season (November to April). Babies born since January 1, 2024 are eligible to receive these antibodies.
Children over a year of age are eligible for a second dose during their second RSV season if they are at increased risk. This includes infants born prematurely, immunocompromised, severe lung disease or have conditions impacting the lungs.
Please contact your primary care provider to access the RSV antibodies injections for your baby. If you are pregnant, check with your delivering hospital about how to access at time of birth.