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Ontario Expands Free RSV Vaccination to All Residents 75 and Older This Fall

The move aligns with national guidance that prioritizes older seniors for RSV protection.

Recruitment and retention of doctors in Ontario is "not a major concern," the Ministry of Health suggests in arguments it is making in arbitration with the Ontario Medical Association over physician compensation. Ontario Health Minister Sylvia Jones stands next to a hospital bed as she attends an announcement at Seneca College, in King City, Ont., Friday, Feb. 9, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young
Ontario Health Minister Sylvia Jones listens to questions from reporters following a press conference in Etobicoke, Ont., on Wednesday, January 11, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/ Tijana Martin

Overview

  • Starting this fall, Ontarians aged 75 and up will be eligible for a publicly funded RSV shot ahead of respiratory virus season.
  • Until now, provincial funding covered only high‑risk seniors 60 to 74, alongside infants in their first RSV season and certain high‑risk young children.
  • Pregnant women will continue to have publicly covered access to an RSV vaccine to help protect newborns.
  • Canada’s immunization advisory committee strongly recommends RSV vaccination for those 75 and older, and Health Canada has authorized three adult vaccines, including an mRNA option.
  • Infant protection has expanded through the seasonal monoclonal antibody nirsevimab, with early Quebec preprint data reporting reductions of over 85% in key infant hospital outcomes where universal infant coverage was used.