Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

What is RSV? Immunization Resources for HCPs Additional Resources

What is RSV?

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a virus, that causes cold symptoms and can affect the lungs and breathing passages. It is a common cause of respiratory illness that can lead to serious illness, especially among infants, young children, and older adults. It is also the most common cause of bronchiolitis, a chest infection that makes it hard for infants and toddlers to breathe. 

  • RSV is mostly spread from person to person by:
  • Touching your eyes, mouth, or nose with unclean hands; and
  • Breathing in contaminated air when a person who is sick coughs, sneezes, or talks.

Most people get only mild symptoms like a runny nose or cough; however, some groups can get very sick from RSV, including:

  • Babies (especially under 6 months)
  • Young children under 24 months with underlying medical conditions
  • Older adults

Symptoms of RSV

Symptoms of RSV infection usually start 2 to 8 days after being exposed. These symptoms may include:

  • Runny nose
  • Coughing
  • Sneezing
  • Wheezing
  • Fever
  • Decreased appetite and energy

In babies, other symptoms may include:

  • Irritability/fussiness
  • Trouble breathing
  • Reduced appetite or feeding
  • Decreased activity

By the age of two, most children will have experienced at least one RSV infection. In babies and young children, RSV is a common cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia, both of which cause inflammation and congestion in the small airways of the lungs.

Who Is at Risk?

RSV infections occur most often from fall through spring.

While healthy children and adults usually experience mild, cold-like symptoms, some groups are at higher risk for severe illness. These include:

  • Babies, especially those who are premature or under 6 months old
  • Children with:
    • Chronic lung disease
    • Congenital (present at birth) heart disease
    • Weakened immune systems
    • Neuromuscular disorders
  • Adults with heart or lung disease
  • Older adults

Although most children will have RSV by age two, repeat infections can occur throughout life, though these are usually less severe.

Preventing RSV Infection

To reduce the risk of getting or spreading RSV, follow these measures:

  • Stay home and limit contact with others when you’re sick.
  • Avoid close contact (handshakes, kissing, sharing utensils) with anyone showing cold-like symptoms.
  • Wear a well-fitting mask or respirator, especially if you’re sick and must be around others.
    • Children under 2 should not wear masks.
    • Children aged 2–5 may wear a mask with supervision if they can handle it and take it off themselves.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
  • Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow (not your hand). Dispose of used tissues and wash your hands immediately.
  • Avoid touching your face (eyes, nose, mouth) with unclean hands.
  • Improve indoor ventilation by opening windows or doors when possible.
  • Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces (e.g., doorknobs, toys, furniture).

If you have cold-like symptoms:

  • Stay home if possible.
  • Avoid contact with those at high risk of severe RSV infection.

Immunization

Immunization is available to help protect against serious RSV-related illness and hospitalization. Talk with your healthcare provider to learn whether you or your child are eligible for the RSV vaccine.

RSV vaccine

About RSV Immunization

There are three vaccine products available through Ontario’s publicly funded RSV prevention programs. These vaccines help protect against lower respiratory tract disease caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

For older adults (aged 60+):

  • Arexvy™ – Adjuvanted recombinant protein subunit vaccine
  • Abrysvo™ – Bivalent recombinant protein subunit vaccine

For infants and high-risk children:

  • Abrysvo™ – Given during pregnancy to protect newborns
  • Beyfortus® (nirsevimab) – Monoclonal antibody given to infants and young children

For more information on the RSV vaccines, visit the Ministry of Health RSV page. 

Who is Eligible

As part of Ontario’s RSV prevention programs, the province will cover the cost of  the RSV vaccine for the following individuals:

Older Adults

  • 75 years of age or older, or
  • 60 to 74 years old and meet one or more high-risk criteria, including:
    • Living in a long-term care home, Elder Care Lodge, or retirement home (including co-located or similar settings)
    • Staying in hospital and designated as alternate level of care (ALC), or in a complex continuing care or transitional program
    • Living with glomerulonephritis (GN) and are moderately to severely immunocompromised
    • Receiving hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis
    • Having received a solid organ or stem cell transplant
    • Experiencing homelessness
    • Identifying as First Nations, Inuit, or Métis

Pregnant Individuals

  • 32 to 36 weeks pregnant and expected to deliver near the start of or during the RSV season (typically November to April).

Infants and Young Children

The RSV monoclonal antibody (Beyfortus®) is publicly funded for eligible babies and young children during the active RSV season. Your child may qualify if they meet one of the following:

  • Babies born on or after April 1 who are under 8 months old at the time of immunization
  • Children up to 24 months old who have one or more high-risk conditions, including:
    • Chronic lung disease (including bronchopulmonary dysplasia)
    • Congenital heart disease that affects heart function
    • Severe immunodeficiency
    • Down syndrome (Trisomy 21)
    • Cystic fibrosis with respiratory involvement or growth delay
    • Neuromuscular disorders that affect breathing or clearing secretions
    • Severe congenital airway anomalies affecting breathing or airway clearance

Note: Only one dose of the RSV vaccine is currently recommended. Studies show protection lasts for more than one RSV season, and research is ongoing to determine if booster doses are needed in the future.

Where to get Vaccinated

RSV immunization is available for eligible individuals at:

Public Health Clinics

If you are eligible and would like to receive the RSV vaccine and are unable to get the vaccine through your primary care provider, or if you do not have a primary health care provider, please call 519-258-2146 ext. 1121 to book an appointment.

You can also visit the Community Health Calendar to view upcoming RSV clinic dates.

Health Care Providers

Contact your health care provider/obstetrician/midwife and book an appointment to receive your RSV vaccine.

Hospitals

RSV vaccines for babies may also be available at local hospitals  when your baby is born. Pleasetalk with your healthcare provider or hospital care team for more information.

Note: Currently, pharmacies do not administer the RSV vaccines as part of Ontario’s publicly funded immunization program.

Resources for Health Care Providers

2025-2026 RSV Program Resources for Health Care Providers.

Additional Resources

For additional RSV information visit:

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