This is who should protect themselves from RSV this respiratory virus season

Ottawa Public Health is recommending that eligible residents at higher risk of severe illness protect themselves against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) this respiratory illness season, including infants and high-risk children.

According to OPH, RSV is a respiratory virus that “can be particularly severe in infants and older adults.” OPH says Immunization against RSV can help prevent serious health outcomes, including hospitalization. Publicly funded immunization is available for infants, high-risk children, pregnant individuals, and eligible older adults.

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RSV protection for infants and high-risk children

Ottawa Public Health recommends that infants and high-risk children receive protection against RSV this respiratory virus season. The National Advisory Committee of Immunization recommends Beyfortus, a monoclonal antibody (preventative antibody), for infants.

Beyfortus is recommended for infants due to its effectiveness, long-lasting protection (up to 6 months), and safety, according to Ottawa Public Health.

The Ontario Ministry of Health's guidelines to receive immunization against RSV include children born in 2024 prior to the RSV season and under one year of age and born during the 2024-2025 RSV season.

The RSV vaccine is also recommended for children up to 24 months of age who are at higher risk of severe RSV disease through their second RSV season, including:

• chronic lung disease of prematurity (CLD), including bronchopulmonary dysplasia/chronic lung disease
• hemodynamically significant congenital heart disease (CHD)
• severe immunodeficiency
• Down Syndrome/Trisomy 21
• Cystic fibrosis with respiratory involvement and/or growth delay
• Neuromuscular disease
• Severe congenital airway anomalies impairing the clearing of respiratory secretion

Ottawa Public Health says the RSV vaccine is available directly through higher-risk settings and specialists, and will not be available at its clinics.

OPH will offer Beyfortus to infants without access to a pediatrician or primary care provider who are born in 2024 and are less than one year of age, and to infants born during the 2024-2025 RSV season. Starting today, appointments can be booked through the Kids Come First webpage.

"We're really excited because this year we're able to protect all infants in Ontario," Dr. Charles Hui, Chief of Infectious Diseases, Immunology and Allergy at CHEO tells CTV News Ottawa. "Before, we had a very restricted program; only very high-risk patients would get the RSV prophylaxis or immunization. And now it's universally available."

It's good news for new mother Lauren Burke. "I think we're lucky to have it available. So, it's definitely on our list to get it done."

She's concerned about the upcoming RSV season and will be vaccinating her 4.5-month-old son.

"It's definitely concerning because you want family and friends to visit. You want to be able to go outside and do stuff. But RSV is just getting more common on top of Covid and flu and just regular coughs and everything."

A vaccine is also available for those between 32 and 36 weeks pregnant, as well as older adults.

"We've actually seen a number of elderly patients come by and ask about the RSV vaccine. Especially with the flu season here. A lot of people are worried about getting sick and trying to avoid respiratory viruses," says Mohammed Al Taslaq, pharmacist and owner of Royal Drugstore on Greenbank Road.

The Ontario Ministry of Health is funding the vaccine for certain high-risk adults 60 years of age and older, who did not receive a dose last season. Anyone not covered by the provincial funding can ask their health care professional or pharmacist, but you may have to pay.

"If you have private insurance, they may cover it," says Al Taslaq. He says out-of-pocket it's roughly $280 to receive the vaccine.