RSV vaccine eligibility expanded to protect more older adults this season

Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is recommending that all adults over 75, and adults over 60 at higher risk, get their RSV vaccine this fall. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that can cause cold-like symptoms for many. However, older adults, especially those with existing medical conditions, are at higher risk of severe illness, complications and hospitalizations. RSV is a major cause of lower respiratory illness, particularly among infants, children, and older adults.

Beginning this fall, in alignment with recommendations from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI), Ontario is expanding eligibility for free RSV immunization to all residents aged 75 and older. Older adults who have previously received a dose of the RSV vaccine do not need to receive another dose this season. Booster doses are not currently recommended.

As part of Ontario’s RSV prevention programs, the province will fully cover the cost of immunization to help protect:

• All adults aged 75 years and older, new for the 2025 to 2026 season
• Adults aged 60 to 74 years old and who meet one of the following high-risk criteria:
  • Residents of long-term care homes, Elder Care Lodges, or retirement homes including similar settings, for example co-located facilities;
  • Patients in hospital receiving alternate level of care (ALC) including similar settings, for example, complex continuing care, hospital transitional programs;
  • Patients with glomerulonephritis (GN) who are moderately to severely immunocompromised;
  • Patients receiving hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis;
  • Recipients of solid organ or hematopoietic stem cell transplants;
  • Individuals experiencing homelessness; or
  • Individuals who identify as First Nations, Inuit or Métis.

Eligible individuals are encouraged to speak to their primary care provider – like your family physician or nurse practitioner – to get their RSV vaccine this fall. Eligible residents of long-term care homes, retirement homes, outpatient clinics or in hospital are asked to speak to their care team as the RSV vaccine is being offered in these settings. Eligible older adults, who cannot access the RSV vaccine through a primary care provider can access the vaccine through an Ottawa Public Health Immunization Clinic by appointment; to learn more and to book an appointment, please visit OttawaPublicHealth.ca/RSV.

Individuals aged 60 to 74 years old may be able to obtain an RSV vaccine through private purchase at a pharmacy following a consultation with their primary care provider and with a valid prescription.   

To protect yourself and reduce the spread of respiratory viruses, wash your hands often, avoid touching your face, cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, disinfect high-touch surfaces, and wear a mask to protect yourself and others, especially when recovering from illness. If possible, stay home when sick and avoid visiting people at high-risk of severe illness, including people admitted to hospital, living in long-term care or a retirement home.

To learn more about respiratory viruses, including RSV, influenza, COVID-19, and vaccine availability, visit OttawaPublicHealth.ca/RespVirus. OPH also shares updates on its social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, and Bluesky.

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